Which statement reflects ethical feedback to students and families?

• A. Publicly critiquing a student for mistakes in front of families.
• B. Withholding feedback to protect privacy.
• C. Truthful, respectful, non-demeaning feedback; protect privacy; focus on growth and supports.
• D. Providing only grades without feedback.

Answer: (C)

Ethical feedback to students and families centers on truthful, respectful, and non-demeaning communication, with privacy protected and a clear focus on growth and supports. This approach builds trust and helps learners understand what they did well and where to improve, while clearly outlining next steps and the resources available to assist them. Keeping feedback private avoids embarrassment and stigma, and makes it possible to address specific needs without public shaming. Emphasizing growth and supports ensures the feedback translates into concrete actions, practice opportunities, or accommodations that encourage progress. By contrast, publicly critiquing mistakes can shame students, withholding feedback leaves families and students guessing what to do next, and giving only grades offers little direction for improvement.