This legal guide will attempt to provide information about the use of cameras in U.S. classrooms. I chose this topic because I believe it’s relevant. Technology is often incorporated into educational settings, and with the recent pandemic, cameras were a necessity for educators to continue teaching. However, I was curious about the legality of using cameras in the classroom not only to record lessons, but to protect students and teachers. The intended audience of this legal guide is teachers and educators of various levels.

Link: https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/cameras-classroom-big-brother-evaluating-you

 

Walker, T. (2015). Cameras in the classroom: Is big brother evaluating you? National Education Association. https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/cameras-classroom-big-brother-evaluating-you

·       Students can rewatch lessons as needed.

·       Students who miss school for illnesses or weather can stay on track.

·       Teachers can request feedback on their instruction from peers. 

·       Classroom footage can be used for professional development. 

·       Students may be counted as ‘present’ if they’re out sick, which could increase some schools funding (if it’s based on attendance rates).

However, there are concerns:

·       Educators worry how their administration will use lesson footage.

·       Allowing parents access to the footage could open the door for further scrutiny and issues.

·       There are questions pertaining to the maintenance of the footage, such as how long the recordings should be kept and where should they be stored?

·       Some teachers view recordings as encroachment on their professional autonomy. 

The author clearly states they are a proponent for cameras in the classroom, therefore it is clear the article is written with some degree of bias.

Link: https://www.educationnext.org/post-covid-case-classroom-cameras-pandemic-ends-keep-teachers-cameras-on/

Petrilli, M. (2021). A post-Covid case for classroom cameras. Education Next. https://www.educationnext.org/post-covid-case-classroom-cameras-pandemic-ends-keep-teachers-cameras-on/

·       Lack of privacy for both teachers and students.

·       The lack of privacy could make students less comfortable in the classroom and less willing to participate. Students may feel worry they’ll make mistakes that will be seen by others. 

·       Screenshots of footage can be taken, which could allow room for bullying and peer victimization. 

·       Teachers may feel pressured to teach differently, which could affect the success of their lessons. 

·       Teachers may be harassed by “overzealous parents – some [of which] may think the teacher is too liberal or too conservative” (Brown, 2020, para. 12).

It was suggested that lessons should be delivered in 5-10 minute increments via technology, while teachers can use class time to supplement instruction.

 

Link: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/family/story/parents-concerned-cameras-classrooms-advocates-72649830

Brown, G. S. (2020). Why parents should be concerned about cameras in classrooms: Advocates. Good Morning America. https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/family/story/parents-concerned-cameras-classrooms-advocates-72649830

Since the case, courts rule according to the precedent set forth by Katz v. United States. Employees have a right to their privacy in places “where privacy can be reasonably expected, such as a private office, bathrooms, and locker rooms” (Chron, 2020, para. 3).

Chron. (2020). Employee rights in schools that use surveillance. https://smallbusiness.chron.com/employee-rights-schools-use-surveillance-16078.html

Katz v. United States. (1967). Oyez. https://www.oyez.org/cases/1967/35

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g. (1974). https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:20%20section:1232g%20edition:prelim)

34 C.F.R. § 99. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/34/part-99/subpart-A

Tex. Educ. Code §29.022. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.29.htm

The handbook also states that parents of students that receive special education services can request (in writing) for the district to use surveillance equipment in special education classrooms for student safety. 

San Angelo Independent School District. (2020). San Angelo Independent School District Student Handbook 2020-2021. https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1609949031/saisdorg/g3am1duqv5snuljppgcm/StudentHandbook2020-2021.pdf

19 Tex. Admin. Code §247. (1998). https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=19&pt=7&ch=247&rl=2

2.      Communicate with your administration and supervisors about concerns.

3.      Be aware of changes post-covid; technology became a primary form of teaching and it may be expected to continue.

4.      If you work in a special education classroom, parents can request video and audio surveillance for their student.