Which action would violate the educator's standard regarding gratuities, gifts, or favors?

The action of accepting a gift from a family in exchange for a written college recommendation would violate the educator's standard regarding gratuities, gifts, or favors. This scenario raises ethical concerns because it creates a potential conflict of interest, where the educator's professional judgment could be influenced by the expectation of receiving something in return for a favor. The educator's role should remain impartial and focused solely on the best interests of all students, without personal gain attached to their professional duties.

In contrast, accepting a token gift from a student as appreciation, receiving gifts from parents at the end of the school year, and accepting a small token gift from a colleague during the holiday season are commonly understood practices that are often considered acceptable if they are respectful, modest, and do not influence the educational process. These actions typically do not carry the same implications of reciprocity or conflict, as they are viewed as gestures of goodwill rather than transactions tied to specific favors or obligations.