K-12 News- Do Student Tracking Devices Violate Rights?

Security is a very important issue in all schools today. There is a constant effort to come up with new ways to protect students, monitor students’ activities, and enforce attendance. One elementary school in Sutter, California just recently tried a new student tracking system designed to reduce attendance tracking errors, save teachers and administrators time, and monitor and record students’ arrivals and departures by recording their location.

This tracking system worked very much like the badges that companies issue to employees to use in order to gain access into a building. It is also similar to the technology that is used in the EZ Pass boxes. The students were issued a badge with a radio device inside that was to be worn around their necks and scanned when they entered the classroom. In other words, it was a “wireless attendance program.”

Due to the negative media attention generated by opponents of the technology, the company supplying it backed out of the deal. Protestors included parents and privacy groups. The two main concerns were for privacy and safety. Some were concerned that the technology could pose a health risk.

It is always a difficult to task to protect students while keeping their rights in tact. Most schools strive for a balance between the two. If these badges did not pose a health risk to students, they could have been a very useful and innovative tool for schools. It is not a proven fact that the badges were harmful, only speculated. To see the full article click this link: http://www.news.com/Elementary-school-nixes-electronic-IDs/2100-1029_3-5581275.html