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Cameras in Texas Special Education Classrooms (including templates)

  • Writer: Holly Griffith Terrell
    Holly Griffith Terrell
  • Nov 21, 2024
  • 2 min read

The Texas Education Code requires that, upon written request from a parent, schools must install video cameras in special education classrooms and settings.


The special education classroom or settings must be one in which a majority of the students are students with disabilities who are assigned to self-contained classrooms or other special education settings for at least half of the instructional day.


The parent must have a child in the specific classroom for which they seek installation of video cameras.


The parent must submit the request to the campus principal or the principal’s designee.


To the extent a school intends to discontinue operation of a video camera, it must notify parents of each student in that classroom/setting that operation of such video camera will not continue unless requested by a person eligible to make a request as set forth above.


The video cameras must be capable of covering visually and recording audio from all areas of the classroom/setting. There is an exception for restrooms and clothes changing areas.  


Schools must retain video recordings for 3 months after the date of recording. However, if there is a request to review a video recording, the school must retain the recording until the requestor views it and there is a determination as to whether it documents an alleged incident. If the recording documents an alleged incident, the school shall retain the recording until the alleged incident is resolved, including exhaustion of all appeals.


Schools may not permit regular or continual monitoring of video footage.


School must permit the parent of a student to view a video recording to the extent the student was involved in an alleged incident that was documented by a recording and reported to the school.



 
 
 

3 Comments


Khushboo Magnani
Khushboo Magnani
Jan 07

This is a very informative and well-structured overview of an important safeguard for students in special education settings. The clarity around parental rights, consent, and retention policies helps ensure transparency while still protecting student privacy. Policies like these can play a vital role in building trust between schools and families, especially when it comes to the safety and well-being of vulnerable learners.

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Vishvajeet
Vishvajeet
Dec 24, 2025

This article highlights the importance of student safety, transparency, and clear procedures in schools. These practices help ensure that students receive the support they need and that parents can stay informed. Similar principles are important for students studying abroad, where access to safe accommodation, structured support, and well-managed learning environments can make a big difference in their overall experience.

For example, choosing reliable student accommodation in leicester helps students focus on their studies while feeling secure and supported.

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Vanshika Khandelwal
Vanshika Khandelwal
Dec 19, 2025

The discussion around cameras in Texas special education classrooms raises important questions about privacy, safety, and educational oversight. Just as policies in classrooms evolve to meet student needs, institutions like BPP University emphasize the importance of balancing technology with ethical practices in education. By integrating modern tools responsibly, BPP University prepares future educators and professionals to create safe, supportive, and effective learning environments for all students.

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