Background:
The District values meaningful parent/guardian engagement in a student’s education and recognizes that, from time to time, parents/guardians may wish to observe their child’s education program. Parent / Guardian observations are not routine and require the prior approval of the school principal. The District may also consider requests from other authorized individuals to observe students or educational settings where there is a legitimate educational, professional, supervisory or support-related purpose.
Observation requests will be considered in a manner that supports student learning in the educational setting, protects the privacy and dignity of students and staff, and maintains a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment.
Procedures:
1. Parents/guardians wishing to observe their child’s educational program should submit their request to the school principal/vice principal at least two (2) working days in advance. Requests made with less notice may be accommodated where circumstances permit.
2. The Principal, in consultation with the teacher and/or other appropriate staff, will determine whether, and when the observation can be accommodated. If the observation is approved, then staff will work with the parent/guardian to arrange an appropriate time that supports the purpose of the request while minimizing disruption to learning and respecting the privacy of other students.
3. In determining whether an observation can occur and the conditions under which it will occur consideration may be given to:
a. The purpose of the observation, including educational planning, assessment, service coordination, transition planning, supervision, training, approved research, or the provision of supports for a student;
b. The learning activity in progress;
c. The potential impact on student learning;
d. The privacy, dignity and well-being of students and staff;
e. The age and developmental needs of students;
f. Safety considerations;
g. The number and frequency of observation requests; and
h. Other relevant circumstances specific to the request.
4. All visitors must report to the school office upon arrival and departure and comply with District and school visitor procedures.
5. Observers are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that minimizes disruption to the learning environment and respects the privacy and confidentiality of students and staff.
Individuals authorized to observe in classrooms or learning environments must maintain the confidentiality of all information obtained through the observation process. Observers must not identify, record, photograph, discuss or disclose information concerning students other than the student who is the subject of the observation. The Principal may require an external observer to complete a confidentiality acknowledgement as a condition of the observation.
No audio, video, photographic or other recording may be made during an observation without the prior express authorization of the Principal and compliance with all applicable consent, privacy and District requirements.
Observers will not interact with other students. Interaction with the student who is the subject of the observation will occur only where agreed to in advance as part of the approved purpose of the observation.
6. Requests from individuals other than a parent/guardian to observe a student or educational setting, including consultants, contracted service providers, practicum students, teacher candidates, university supervisors, members of a student’s support team, or other authorized individuals, will be considered by the Principal, and where appropriate, in consultation with District staff. Requests related to research will be considered in accordance with AP 290 – Requests to Circulate Questionnaires or Conduct Research. In considering such requests, the Principal may consider:
a. The purpose of the observation
b. Applicable privacy and confidentiality requirements;
c. Any required parent/guardian consent;
d. District procedures, partnership agreement, or contractual obligations;
e. The impact on students, staff, and the learning environment; and
f. Any other relevant circumstances.
g. Where an observation is conducted by an external professional or service provider, the role of the observer is consultative. Recommendations arising from an observation may inform educational planning; however, decisions regarding a student’s educational program, instruction, supports and school-based services remain the responsibility of District staff in accordance with their professional responsibilities and District procedures.
7. This procedure does not restrict observations conducted by District employees or other authorized individuals acting within approved District programs, professional responsibilities, or supervisory processes and in accordance with applicable privacy requirements. This includes routine professional supervision, approved teacher education or practicum placements, District professional learning activities, and other established District programs.
8. The Principal may approve, deny, postpone, reschedule or terminate an observation and may establish reasonable conditions for an observation, including its duration, location, number of observers, and expectations for participation, communication, confidentiality and safety.
September 2026