Practice, Teaching, and Research Ethics in Special Education

Abstract

Considering the lives of individuals with special needs, perhaps the most critical of the services provided is special education services. Having an extremely important place in the lives of these individuals and their relatives, special education services should be carried out within the framework of certain standards and ethical principles. Professional ethics, which pertain to the standards of conduct that individuals working in the realm of business should or should not exhibit, are of paramount importance in guiding employees on the principles that should be adhered to. Given that the field of special education is particularly sensitive in comparison to other disciplines, it is crucial for both teachers working in special education and researchers in this field to possess knowledge and skills pertaining to ethical principles. Despite its significance, there is a dearth of studies on the subject of special education ethics in Turkey. In light of the importance of this topic and the present situation in Turkey, this study aims to explore the concepts of ethics and professional ethics at a fundamental level. Specifically, the study delves into the specific realms of special education practice ethics, special education teaching ethics, and special education research ethics, and examines their place within the broader field of special education in the context of international literature. It is believed that the research conducted on this subject will be beneficial for both teachers, researchers, and service recipients in the interdisciplinary field of special education.