Code of Ethics

The International Reading Association is committed to the highest level of ethical conduct for all members. IRA believes that it is every member’s obligation to uphold this ethical responsibility with respect to curriculum and instruction, including using technological resources; assessing, diagnosing, and evaluating; creating a literate environment; valuing diversities; communicating and interacting with families and the community; exhibiting positive dispositions; and exemplifying professionalism, including conducting research, publishing, making professional presentations, communicating and interacting with colleagues, using technology, and honestly representing oneself as a reading professional.

The IRA Code of Ethics identifies the specific ethical responsibilities for all members in each of the areas identified above. The Code is aligned with IRA Standards for Reading Professionals in order to identify ethical responsibilities related to each Standard. Any possible breaches of the IRA Code of Ethics should be referred to Association Headquarters for referral to the IRA Professional Standards & Ethics Committee for review. If any breaches are determined to have taken place, the Committee then recommends appropriate actions to the Association.

It is the obligation of all members of the International Reading Association to observe the Code of Ethics of the organization and to act accordingly so as to advance the status and prestige of the Association and of the profession as a whole.

Curriculum and Instruction

It is the ethical responsibility of all IRA members to use curriculum materials and instructional methods that:

Are consistent with IRA position statements.
Are based on evidence.
Differentiate instruction to meet the individual needs of all students.
Are free from cultural and linguistic bias.
Represent multiple perspectives and interpretations.
Are based on valid and reliable print and technological sources of information.

Assessing, Diagnosing, and Evaluating

It is the ethical responsibility of all IRA members to assess, diagnose, and evaluate student growth using instruments that:

Are valid and reliable.
Are free from cultural and linguistic bias.
Are consistent with IRA position statements.
Are administered in accordance with instrument specifications.
Are interpreted in a manner consistent with the instruments’ purpose.
Are used in ways that protect the confidentiality of students and families.

Creating a Literate Environment

It is the ethical responsibility of all IRA members to create literate environments that:

Include all students.
Are free from bias.
Encourage collaboration.

Provide equitable access to books, technology-based information, and nonprint materials representing multiple levels, broad interests, and diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Are consistent with IRA position statements.
Are responsive to student interests, reading abilities, and backgrounds.
Are structured to help students learn to work cooperatively and productively with others.

Exemplifying Professionalism

It is the ethical responsibility of all IRA members to exhibit professionalism by:

Honestly representing oneself and one’s work.
Maintaining professional relationships.
Demonstrating positive dispositions toward reading and the teaching of reading.
Actively working to advance IRA positions, policies, and practices.

Conducting research that is:

Honest.
Respectful of human dignity.
Respectful of peer input.
Grounded in a strong theoretical and research base.
Free from bias.
A significant contribution to understanding the reading process and the teaching of reading.

Publishing research that is:

Original, and does not plagiarize previously published research.
Honestly represented.
Valid and reliable.
Respectful of previously published research.

Revised March 2008

Conflict of Interest Policy

The Conflict of Interest policy provides guidance to the directors, officers, and employees of the International Reading Association in identifying and handling potential and actual conflicts of interest involving the Association.

Conflict of Interest policy