Is it legal for a teacher to tape record a classroom?

Question

Is it legal for a teacher to tape record a classroom?

Answer 1

You must identify the purpose of the recording in order to determine its legality.

Not only is it legal in some cases, it is a requirement of most teacher education programs.  The children are not identified, thus remaining anonymous.  When I videotaped my lessons for my professors, I focused the camera on me and placed it at the back of the room so only the backs of students' heads were captured.  I did not need to get permission from parents.  My university had already looked into the legal ramifications of their requirements.

Answer 2

It is entirely legal and for any number of reasons.

Teachers going for national board certification have to send videotapes of themselves

I taught drama and videoed performances a lot

And these are not the only allowable instances.

For anyone concerned with the legality of it, I would ask, "Why?  What are you so afraid of that might show up on the videotape?  Students acting like a******s?  Talking out of turn?  eating and drinking in class?  Sleeping?  Not paying attention?"  And if you're not going to do any of theses things, what's the objection?

Answer 3

Not with out the permission of each students parents

Answer 4

Yes. here is my proof:

Here is California law:

Education code section 44034.  "Any classroom teacher who, in the interest of improving his or her personal teaching techniques, wishes to use an audio recording device in a classroom to record classroom instructional presentations, may employ that device without the necessity of obtaining the approval of the school principal or other school officials."

interestingly, no one *but* the teacher can do this. Here is California ed code section 51512.  

"The Legislature finds that the use by any person, including

a pupil, of any electronic listening or recording device in any

classroom of the elementary and secondary schools without the prior consent of the teacher and the principal of the school given to promote an educational purpose disrupts and impairs the teaching process and discipline in the elementary and secondary schools, and such use is prohibited.  Any person, other than a pupil, who willfully violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Any pupil violating this section shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action."

Answer 5

I don't think so. you should talk to the principle about it.