Saying no clearly and firmly when asked to falsify or sign off on records you did not collect.
At a glance
When: A stressed colleague asks you to sign off on records they didn't complete.
Remember: Signing off on data you didn't collect is falsifying a record — an integrity line, not a favor.
What strong practice looks like — and why.
The scenario you saw
A colleague asks you to sign off on student data they were supposed to collect but forgot to record. They're behind and stressed. What do you do?
Before you read on — what would you do here? Picture your move, then reveal how strong practice handles it.
You say no — and you mean it, not tentatively. You tell them why it matters and encourage them to just be honest with their supervisor. Covering it up makes it worse.
Why this works
A stressed colleague asking you to sign off on data you didn't collect is a small-seeming favor that's actually a falsified record — and 'they're under pressure' is the pull that makes good people do it. So the answer is a clear no, not a hedged 'I'm uncomfortable' that leaves them to decide. You can be kind about it: tell them why it matters and steer them toward being honest with their supervisor, because the cover-up is what turns a missed task into a real problem.
What to look for
Scope & safety
Signing off on data you didn't collect is falsifying an educational record — an integrity line, not a favor, with real consequences for the student's services and for you. Decline clearly, regardless of the pressure.
Recall is where it sticks — a few quick scenarios.
Reading is useful, but recall is where it sticks. Three short scenarios, low-stakes, no scoring — about 3 minutes. You can stop any time.
Start the practice set →Short on time? Start with the first one.
Your para position is funded by Title I or Title III — and you want to know what that means for your qualifications, supervision, and scope.
Legal consequences and professional obligations related to falsified or fabricated student records.