Confidentiality is the most critical and important aspect of an educator’s job. It is a legal responsibility to observe both the rights of student’s disabilities and legal education decision makers in regard to data privacy. Educators have access to personal information about children and their families, including but not limited to:
The results of formal and informal assessments
Behavior in educational settings
Academic progress
Family circumstances and relationships
Both the children and the family have the absolute right to expect that all information will be kept confidential and made available only to personnel in school or another agency who require it to ensure that the rights, health, safety, and physical well being of the children are safeguarded. Confidentiality must be maintained and protected, and the rights of students to due process, dignity, privacy and respect must be promoted.
Always ask yourself . . . .
What information would you want discussed with others regarding your child?
What would you like said about yourself as a parent?
What would you like said about your family, your values, your lifestyle?
How to keep your IEP Meeting Confidential on Zoom
Make the link automatically generate (i.e. don't use your personal meeting room)
Meeting Room and Password enabled
Lock meeting once started
CONFIDENTIALITY POINTERS
Avoid using student and staff names if you are asked about your job.
Suggest that information about specific students and their skills / needs are for IEP team members / direct service providers, not for those not working directly to meet the needs of the student.
Do NOT share other student’s names or information with parents during IEP meetings, conferences or informal conversations.
Information regarding specific students and programs should not be shared in the lunchroom, staff room, office areas, playground, out in the community, or any other setting.
When conferencing or writing information regarding a student or family that contains confidential information, be aware of those around you – Look for a private place within the school setting to share the information.
No matter who asks you a question about a student, if you are unsure whether you should answer, DON’T. You can do this gently and politely. Remember only staff who work directly with the student – have a need to know information about the student’s disability and IEP.
For consistency of program as well as confidentiality, educators must support techniques, materials and methods, especially in the presence of students, parents and other staff. Questions should be responded to in a professional, private, confidential manner.
Why must confidentiality be maintained? It is required by federal and state laws as well as local policies. FERPA.
Who may access to information about students and their families? Only personnel who are responsible for design, preparation, and delivery of education and related services. Personnel who are responsible for keeping a student safe may also have access to some or all of the information.