CALT ALTA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the ALTA Code of Ethics, a CALT must maintain student confidentiality by:
- Sharing all student records freely with any teacher who requests them
- Disclosing information only with appropriate consent or as required by law (Correct answer)
- Posting student progress on social media to celebrate achievements
- Discussing a student's diagnosis in public school hallways
Correct answer: Disclosing information only with appropriate consent or as required by law
The ALTA Code requires therapists to protect student privacy and only disclose information with proper consent or when legally mandated.
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the ALTA Code of Ethics. CALTs must obtain informed consent before sharing student records. Exceptions include legally required reporting such as suspected child abuse or court orders. Casual disclosure to unauthorized individuals violates both ethical and legal standards including FERPA.
Question 2: A CALT who discovers they have been practicing outside their scope of competence should:
- Continue until they feel more confident
- Seek appropriate supervision, training, or refer the student to a more qualified professional (Correct answer)
- Ignore the issue to avoid professional embarrassment
- Blame the student's lack of progress on the disability
Correct answer: Seek appropriate supervision, training, or refer the student to a more qualified professional
Ethical practice requires CALTs to recognize the boundaries of their competence and seek training, supervision, or referral when a student's needs exceed their expertise.
The ALTA Code of Ethics holds CALTs accountable for practicing only within their established scope of competence. When a case requires skills beyond the therapist's current training, ethical obligations include seeking supervision, pursuing professional development, or referring the student to a professional with the appropriate expertise.
Question 3: Which action by a CALT most clearly violates ALTA ethical standards regarding professional representation?
- Listing CALT credentials accurately on a professional website
- Claiming to use Orton-Gillingham methods without proper training (Correct answer)
- Using the title CALT after passing the ALTA certification examination
- Describing one's specialization in dyslexia intervention accurately
Correct answer: Claiming to use Orton-Gillingham methods without proper training
Misrepresenting qualifications or claiming to use structured literacy methods without proper training is a direct ethical violation involving professional honesty.
The ALTA Code of Ethics prohibits misrepresentation of credentials, methods, or competencies. Claiming to use Orton-Gillingham approaches without completing accredited training falsely represents the quality of services offered, potentially harming students. This violates the ethical principles of honesty and professional integrity central to ALTA standards.
Question 4: According to ALTA ethical guidelines, a CALT should terminate services when:
- The student fails a standardized test
- The student has met treatment goals and no longer requires the level of service (Correct answer)
- The therapist finds a higher-paying client
- The school year ends automatically
Correct answer: The student has met treatment goals and no longer requires the level of service
Services should be discontinued when treatment goals are achieved and continued therapy would not provide additional benefit, avoiding unnecessary dependency.
Ethical practice requires that intervention be goal-directed and time-limited based on student need. The ALTA Code of Ethics indicates that a CALT should terminate services when the student has achieved the established goals or when the student's needs have changed. Continuing services beyond clinical necessity is considered unethical.
Question 5: A CALT accepting gifts from a student's family should be aware that:
- All gifts are always acceptable as tokens of appreciation
- Large or frequent gifts may create a dual relationship that compromises professional objectivity (Correct answer)
- Gifts must be reported to ALTA monthly
- Gifts are required to be donated to charity
Correct answer: Large or frequent gifts may create a dual relationship that compromises professional objectivity
Accepting substantial gifts can blur professional boundaries and create a dual relationship that may compromise the therapist's clinical judgment.
While small tokens of appreciation are generally acceptable, large or frequent gifts can create dual relationship dynamics where the CALT's professional judgment becomes influenced by personal obligation. The ALTA Code of Ethics requires that professional boundaries be maintained to protect both the student and the therapist.
Question 6: When a CALT encounters an ethical dilemma not clearly addressed in the ALTA Code of Ethics, the recommended first step is to:
- Ignore the dilemma and proceed as usual
- Consult the code, seek supervision, and consider applicable laws and professional standards (Correct answer)
- Ask the student to decide
- Quit the case immediately
Correct answer: Consult the code, seek supervision, and consider applicable laws and professional standards
Ethical dilemmas require careful reflection using the professional code, consultation with supervisors or colleagues, and consideration of relevant laws and standards.
When a situation is not clearly covered by the ALTA Code, the ethical decision-making process involves reviewing the code for related principles, consulting with supervisors, reviewing applicable state and federal laws, and considering the best interests of the student.
CALT ALTA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct 2
Under the ALTA Code of Ethics, a CALT must maintain student confidentiality by: