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Standards of Ethical Conduct


Higher Dimension of Learning Academy


1. HDOL Academy disqualifies from employment any instructional personnel or school administrator who is convicted of an act listed under s.1012.315, F.S.


2. HDOL Academy conducts an employment history check before employing instructional personnel or school administrators in any position that requires direct contact with students and documents the findings.


3. HDOL Academy prohibits confidentiality agreements with instructional personnel or school administrators who are dismissed, terminated, or resign in lieu of termination due to misconduct that affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student.


4. Our primary concern is the student and the development of the student's potential.


5. Employees will therefore strive for professional growth and will seek to exercise the best

professional judgment and integrity.


6. Concern for the student requires that our instructional personnel:

     a.Shall make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful to learning.

     b.Shall not be alone with a student in dark or closed room or secluded area.

     c.Shall not behave in an overly friendly or familiar way or failing to maintain an appropriate professional boundary with a student.

     d.Shall not use forceful or unnecessary physical contact with a student.

     e.Shall not administer discipline that is not compliant with school policy.

     f.Shall not accept or offer gifts for return of a favor or privilege from students or colleagues.

     g.Shall not tease a student.

    h.Shall not mock or belittle a student.

    i.Shall not chronically embarrass a student.

    j.Shall not display prejudice or bigotry against a student.

    k.Shall not be under suspicion of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

    l.Shall not fail to properly supervise students or to ensure student safety.

    m.Shall not cheat, falsify information or testing violations.

    n.Shall not retaliate against a student or colleague for reporting misconduct.

    o.Shall not banter or engage in colloquial or slang communications with a student.

    p.Shall not direct or use profane, offensive, or explosive language in the presence of students.

    q.Shall not make suggestive comments or overtures toward a student or colleague.

     r.The following policies are strictly enforced at HDOL Academy.


7. HDOL Academy employees are required to attend complete training on the adopted standards of ethical conduct.


8. HDOL Academy employees have a duty to report misconduct by instructional personnel. This report is required to be done immediately.


9. It is important to document the details of the event and to secure evidence, if available. Employees reporting misconduct will be sheltered under the liability protections provided under ss.39.203 and 768.095, F.S.


10. HDOL Academy disqualifies from employment any instructional personnel or school administrator who is convicted of any acts of child abused.


11. Reporting Child Abuse, Abandonment or Neglect. All employees and agents have an affirmative duty to report all actual or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Call 1-800- 96-ABUSE or report online at: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/report/.


12. Signs of Physical Abuse: The child may have unexplained bruises, welts, cuts, or other injuries; broken bones; or burns. A child experiencing physical abuse may seem withdrawn or depressed, seem afraid to go home or may run away, shy away from physical contact, be aggressive, or wear inappropriate clothing to hide injuries.


13. Signs of Sexual Abuse: The child may have torn, stained or bloody underwear, trouble walking or sitting, pain or itching in genital area, or a sexually transmitted disease. A child experiencing sexual abuse may have unusual knowledge of sex or act seductively, fear a particular person, seem withdrawn or depressed, gain or lose weight suddenly, shy away from physical contact, or run away from home.


14. Signs of Neglect: The child may have unattended medical needs, little or no supervision at home, poor hygiene, or appear underweight. A child experiencing neglect may be frequently tired or hungry, steal food, or appear overly needy for adult attention.


15. Patterns of Abuse: Serious abuse usually involves a combination of factors. While a single sign may not be significant, a pattern of physical or behavioral signs is a serious indicator and should be reported.


16. Reporting Misconduct by Instructional Personnel and Administrators. All employees and administrators have an obligation to report misconduct by instructional personnel and school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student. Examples of misconduct

include obscene language, drug and alcohol use, disparaging comments, prejudice, sexual innuendo, cheating or testing violations, physical aggression, and accepting or offering favors. Reports of misconduct of employees should be made to the Principal, Vice Principal, and Executive Director. Reports of misconduct committed by administrators should be made to Principal, Vice Principal, and the Board of Elders.

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