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There's a new law in Texas that requires school districts – when asked to by a parent or other individuals – to record video and audio inside classrooms that are used primarily for special education. The law wont be implemented until the start of the 2016-2017 school year this fall.
Some think the law will go a long way to prevent abuse of students who often can't speak for themselves. While others worry the mandate will be a financial burden on schools. So, in this segment, we hear from both viewpoints.
First, Louis Geigerman is special education lobbyist with National ARD/IEP Advocates. He told Michael Hagerty how the law stemmed from one determined woman.
Then, to learn more about concerns some have with the law, Michael talked with Monty Exter, a lobbyist with the Austin-based Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE). Exter said his organization takes issue with some aspects of the law but didn't come out either fully for or against it.
MORE:
Coming To Texas: Special-Ed Cams To Protect Students From Their Own Teachers (NPR, Dec. 15, 2015)
Cameras in the classroom: FAQs on Senate Bill 507 (ATPE)
