NTPA Social Media Policy

What you say and do on social media represents your public persona, both professionally and personally. The National Test Prep Association was formed to support educators, uphold the highest ethical standards, and promote best practices in the test prep industry. As an NTPA member, your actions on social media represent our organization and industry.

For this reason, we have outlined a social media policy for our membership as an extension of our Code of Ethics and Conduct, which includes but is not limited to the following social media platforms:

• Networking sites (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram)
• Video and photo sharing sites (e.g., YouTube, TikTok)
• Traditional news sources (e.g., The Washington Post, FoxNews)
• Messaging platforms (e.g., Messenger, WhatsApp)
• Blogs, wikis, online forums and message boards (e.g., Substack, Quora, Reddit)
• Podcasts (e.g., Tests and the Rest)

POSITIVITY COUNTS

We’ve all joined NTPA because we feel great passion for education and test prep. We collectively care about valid, fair, and reliable assessments. We celebrate clear and objective standards. We champion equity in education and opportunity. The successes of our students, staff, colleagues, and educational enterprises mean the world to us. The best social media messages are informed by this positivity.

SPEAK CAREFULLY

Tone and humor can be difficult to convey verbally and in text. Always be clear in getting your message across and careful to avoid misinterpreting others. Use excellent judgment and err on the side of caution.

If you encounter speech you consider offensive or problematic, especially posts or articles that contradict fact and good sense, remember that kindness, class, and positivity are sometimes as effective as direct argument. Anything a member considers particularly concerning can be referred to the NTPA Advocacy Committee or the NTPA Ethics Committee.

YOU SHOULDN’T BE DEFINED BY ONE TEST…

…but you could be defined forever by one errant or ill-advised post or comment online. The internet never forgets. What you share online is permanent, so be smart about your words and actions. If what you’re thinking of writing gives you any concern, take a deep breath and reconsider. If you need to, take a moment to reach out to another NTPA member for guidance.

NTPA members should always remember that they represent the highest aspirations for the test prep industry and professional educators. Assiduously avoid public conflicts with other NTPA members and test prep professionals. Do not disparage and/or disrespect other test prep providers or industry professionals.

Use the reasonable person standard when replying to people online, i.e., if a reasonable person would be offended by your words, choose different words to make your point. Never post discriminatory, offensive, bullying, or libelous content and/or commentary. Correct or remove any misleading or false content as quickly as possible. Apologize if necessary.

INTEGRITY IS CRITICAL

Do not misrepresent yourself or our organization, especially in conversations about education, testing, and admissions. If appropriate, disclose your status as a test prep professional and/or your membership in NTPA. Of course, truthfulness, kindness, and integrity do wonders for your reputation and, in turn, that of our industry.

For the sake of transparency, always be clear about the distinction between the NTPA’s positions on issues and your own. Whether through social media or other forms of public speaking, you may not represent that you are speaking on behalf of NTPA unless you are authorized to do so.

EYES ON YOUR OWN PAPER

Our colleagues in and outside the NTPA generate all kinds of innovative and insightful ideas, items, articles, and data presentations. If you feel moved to share or quote a test prep or industry professional in social media, always give credit by name. Include a link to the core document or a social media profile whenever possible. In all cases, respect copyright and fair use laws and protect the intellectual property rights of our members and partners.

Never share NTPA’s confidential or proprietary information, including but not limited to finances, members, partners, existing resources, and upcoming projects.

Never share anything discussed in an NTPA Mastermind group outside the group. Keep your Mastermind conversations confidential.

KEEPING IT CLEAN

Social media behavior should never violate the NTPA Code of Ethics and Conduct or damage the organization or its members.