Guidelines on Access to Schools and Students for Preservice Teachers

(Adopted November 19, 2001)

I. Public Access

Because schools are established for the good of the community and financed primarily with tax dollars, most people think of schools as public buildings; however, all school visitors and working professionals must obtain permission before entering classrooms or other areas of the building.

II. Access for Film/Video Projects by Preservice Teachers

1. Use of schools for film/video projects including motion pictures, digital photography, videotapes, documentaries, etc., may be considered when--

1. The ultimate product will further the cause of education.
2. Normal school procedures and instructional programs will not be disrupted.
3. School involvement will enrich or enhance the curriculum.
4. Individual students and teachers will not be identified in the production by name.
5. Neither the school nor the district will be identified by name.
6. Individual privacy rights will not be violated.

2. Requests to use schools for film/video projects shall be forwarded by CITES to the superintendent for review and approval at the beginning of each school year.
3. Authorized film/video crews working on non-commercial projects may photograph normal, routine school scenes. Such filming may include students moving from class to class, participating in regular education classwork, working in the library, eating lunch, getting on and off school buses, watching or participating in sporting events, etc.
4. Filming of normal, routine school scenes for non-commercial projects does not generally require releases from parents. However, releases must be obtained if students or activities outside the mainstream are to be included.
5. Parent approval must be obtained in advance if student instruction is to be interrupted in any way or if the film/video project is being produced for commercial gain or political use.

III. Capturing the Images of Students

Preservice teachers prepare professional portfolios to document their growth and development as teachers. Portfolios usually include videos or photographs of teaching episodes with students. Such portfolios may also be used in employment and licensing settings.

1. Preservice teachers who obtain permission from the school administrator in advance may observe, photograph, and report on typical school scenes including regular education classes, events, and activities so long as they do not interfere with student learning.
2. Parent releases are not necessary when students are photographed or interviewed while participating in mainstream classes or activities.
3. Preservice teachers may not photograph or interview students who are outside the mainstream without express written permission of the parents. This restriction applies to students in special schools, cluster units, resource rooms, youth in custody, and other programs where federal law protects student privacy rights.

*Based upon current access policy in the Jordan School District