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Teachers – Don’t Risk Your Job! Helpful Hints for FSA and EOC Administration from an Education Lawyer

On Behalf of | Sep 15, 2016

Don’t let the Florida Standards Assessments (FSA) and End-Of-Course (EOC) tests put your teaching license at risk.

Three tips for protecting your certification and career.

The Florida Standards Assessments (FSA) in English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, and end-of-course (EOC) subjects (Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry) are supposed to serve Florida students by measuring education gains and progress. The debate as to if any of that is actually accomplished rages throughout the state. Unfortunately for now, it is something that all Florida public school students and teachers must to deal with.But it is also an issue that teachers need to deal with. Over the last several months I have had multiple Florida certified teachers contact me. They all have been accused of providing assistance to students on various FSA and they all are now facing the potential for disciplinary action against their teaching certificates. Some have actually lost their job at the District level.Although school districts are supposed to provide teachers with training and instruction on administering and proctoring an FSA exam, many times this consists of handing the teacher a book. There is no training or instruction. It is left for teachers to figure it out on their own. Here are some pieces of advice.

1. Read the FSA Manual

Actually read the FSA manual. It does provide guidelines as to what a teacher can and cannot do during an examination. If you are unsure of certain things, ask your school’s administration.

2. Document, Document, and Document

If an issue does arise during the exam, once the examination is over you should document the event for your self. Take a moment and simply write down what happened, when it happened, what other teachers or administrators were present, and what the outcome was.

3. When in Doubt, Err on the Side of Caution

If a student asks you a question that you are simply not comfortable answering because you feel it is or could be construed as providing assistance, then politely decline. It is always better to be safe than sorry in situations like this. As a teacher, you simply have too much to lose.Richard Asselta is an experienced teacher lawyer who mounts an articulate and thorough defense for his clients. There are several terms for teacher discipline such as educator misconduct or teacher misconduct. Whichever the term, don’t face the FLDOE alone. If you are facing allegations of Florida teacher misconduct – hire a teacher defense lawyer and protect your teaching license, career, and livelihood. Call today for a free consultation. Asselta Law offers flat-fees and payment plans. All credit and debit cards accepted. (855) EDU-LAWYER.

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