Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/515703
C A M E R A S A R E P O S T E D throughout Oak Park High School, but only in common areas. Russ Peters, president of the Oak Park Teachers Association, says it's not a big deal. "I haven't heard any objections from teachers. When you see what's happening on school cam- puses and the violence that has befallen some, you see cameras as a way to keep some people away who don't belong here, and a way to keep an eye on the campus when nobody is here. Kids do some- times come on campus and commit vandalism. The cameras have cut down on that." If a camera was installed in his classroom, it would be an entirely different story, says Peters. "I would object completely, because I would feel it was an invasion of privacy for myself and stu- dents. Teachers are highly qualified, and their eyes are the only ones needed in a classroom. I know that most teachers in our district would object to having a camera in their classroom. There's a line between having a camera out- side, when you're in public, so to speak, and being inside a classroom, where you ex- pect to have privacy." In Oakland, teachers were upset to learn that cameras in gymnasiums were recording gym classes. They were supposed to be used for recording activities outside of class such as games, and turned off when class was in session. But that wasn't happen- ing, since the cameras are up high, and not easily accessible to be switched on and off. As a compro- mise with the Oakland Education Association, the district agreed to post signs in non-classroom areas informing teachers they are in the proximity of a recording device and possibly being recorded. Such notice does not constitute a waiver of their rights under the Education Code. "Cameras are not allowed in the classroom, but they are allowed in the hallways and common areas," says OEA President Trish Gorham. "Ten years ago members wouldn't have accepted having a camera anywhere. I guess you could say that peo- ple are feeling less secure than they were 10 years ago. Times have changed." MOST DON'T MIND CAMERAS OUTSIDE THEIR CLASSROOM Russ Peters 37 V O L U M E 1 9 I S S U E 9 Earn 2-6 Graduate Level Extension Credits this Summer! Online Self-Paced Course to Revise or Build New Curriculum EDU-X725L Planning for Continuous Improvement in the Classroom (2, 4 or 6 unit options) Intensive 2-Week Classroom course - 12 California Locations Designed to Energize and Prepare You to be an Agent of Change! EDU-X733L Agents of CHANGE: Committed, Hopeful, Adapting, New Generation Educators (6 units) Over 500 Courses, Certificates & Professional Programs Available Build on Your Teaching Skills www.SanDiego.edu/educatorsprograms (888) 983-3979 | continuinged@sandiego.edu On-Line | On-Ground | On-Target L E A R N M O R E ! A Reliable S ource for High Qualit y Courses and Programs