Can they do this? Is it illegal?

[Guest guest]

In that case it is heresay, and cannot be legally used for any purpose,

especially concerning IEPs or any education plans. This is a clear violation of

privacy and the code of ethics mandated by law as I (as an advocate) understand

it. If the psychologist called to say that she was told of this by another

parent, then she was right in doing so. If she is delaying her report pending

your input, that's one thing. If she's delaying her report pending further input

from this parent, or any other, then this is violates rules of privacy, and as

such, is actionable at law. This is no different than giving me information out

of your medical chart at the hospital just because I asked about your condition.

She can be sued, personally, as well as the school, although it seems that your

action would be more fruitful against her personally. I would look into finding

an advocate in your area. Good Luck.

Pam had a good idea to start with.

" Joanne Butts, Executive Director

Parents Are Vital in Education (PAVE)

6316 South 12th Street

Tacoma, WA 98465

(253) 565-2266 (V/TTY); (800) 572-7368 (In WA only)

E-mail: wapave9-2@... "

( ) Re: Can they do this? Is it illegal?

Hi, just my quick 2 cents, am just picking up on this thread,

haven't read them all yet.

But if the parent is volunteering there regularly, I can sort of see

asking the parent about a child in the classroom. Now, that

particular parent getting into how he acts at her personal home,

well, that was just...well, bad luck? in that she has that " extra

info " that she willingly spoke about; she could have just kept quiet

on that and gave her observations about how he is in the classroom.

As to the legality of asking a volunteer (not a paid

employee/staff), I dunno. I can see where personnel shouldn't

ask...but then again, I go back to where I think if a parent is

regularly in the room/volunteering, they probably know " who is who "

anyway in the classroom. I know when my kids were young and I had

the time then to help out at school, I pretty much knew " who was

who " not because anyone said anything, it just becomes apparent

while you're there (getting help from an aide, going to speech or

OT, having to go to the nurse as time for medication, my helping

with tasks...). Hmmm...if someone had asked me about any particular

one (never happened) I guess I would have commented on the child if

I'd helped him/her with things in the room and had some thoughts

about him/her.

Well, just some first thoughts on this!

>

> The school psychologist called to ask me a question so she could

finish

> her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given

from

> ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp

ed

[Guest guest]

So the speech therapist was just blabbing about your son to a parent of another

student?! NOW I got it...

I'd be ticked, too! Go get her!!!

Pat

Liz S <lizs.1234@...> wrote:

No. The mother was not at the school as a volunteer. She was there

with her 4 year old son who receives speech services at the school. She has

never been in my sons classroom. I know this for a fact. She and the speech

therapist engaged in conversation about my son & this parent proceeded to

explain how my son behaves while at her house. So she is just a parent who

happened to be in the speech room at a time my sons name came up & she offered

info about my child. Now se is aware my son receives services. We had not planed

on telling anyone. Now she knows, so you can be sure she will spread this around

the neighborhood. I just want the sp ed people to remember privacy is important

and some people (like us) don't want their kids sp ed info shared with other

parents.

Liz

Houston

<cmcintosh5@...> wrote:

GREAT POINT!! If she was being asked as a volunteer staff member.. That

might just be the reason it was done.. Never thought of that one.

-- ( ) Re: Can they do this? Is it illegal?

Hi, just my quick 2 cents, am just picking up on this thread,

haven't read them all yet.

But if the parent is volunteering there regularly, I can sort of see

asking the parent about a child in the classroom. Now, that

particular parent getting into how he acts at her personal home,

well, that was just...well, bad luck? in that she has that " extra

info " that she willingly spoke about; she could have just kept quiet

on that and gave her observations about how he is in the classroom.

As to the legality of asking a volunteer (not a paid

employee/staff), I dunno. I can see where personnel shouldn't

ask...but then again, I go back to where I think if a parent is

regularly in the room/volunteering, they probably know " who is who "

anyway in the classroom. I know when my kids were young and I had

the time then to help out at school, I pretty much knew " who was

who " not because anyone said anything, it just becomes apparent

while you're there (getting help from an aide, going to speech or

OT, having to go to the nurse as time for medication, my helping

with tasks...). Hmmm...if someone had asked me about any particular

one (never happened) I guess I would have commented on the child if

I'd helped him/her with things in the room and had some thoughts

about him/her.

Well, just some first thoughts on this!

>

> The school psychologist called to ask me a question so she could

finish

> her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given

from

> ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp

ed

[Guest guest]

Pat is right. You need a guy who looks like nie Cochran, Melvin

Belli, Mason, etc. (except meaner & hungrier with no feelings)

with a $3000 Kiton suit to walk into your county government real

estate assessment office. He can strike up a discussion with the

commissioners about the local history of emergency tax levies and

inquire about the municipality's litigation insurance coverage

limits, and walk away without explanation. He can make similar

inquiries at the state Dept of Ed, identifying your town but

remaining vague. Then he should visit 2-3 of the school board members

1 on 1 and ask some basic questions about records privacy- again,

just leave, no explanation. Maybe a letter to the editor with name

withheld decrying the lack of privacy in " our schools " .

Meanwhile, have your friends make about 7 online inquiries of the

district's insurance underwriters over a 1-2 week period, asking

similar questions from different IP addresses, and add a few

unsolicited phone calls to their investigation staff salted with

tantalizing clues but with no apparent focus. Now start the rumors

flowing- teachers, administrators, have them tipped off from an

unwitting middle school vice principal in the next town that he's

overheard (in a bar) about a New York litigation shark who'se been

looking for a privacy case just like this one for 7 years and he just

wanted to see that the money's there before he feasts (he also has to

wait a few weeks to get his traveling team licensed to practice in

this state). When the municipal sweat is pouring, and the school

board CYA'ers are cringing, slowly identify yourself as the aggrieved

one and be sure to focus all discussion on who blabbed about your

son. She may be forced to quit out of sheer, deserved shame. You can

let the career humiliation sink in for a month before finding some

way to let her know that you did this for her sake. For a so-called

speech therapist, she'll be " speechless " !

I'm sorry you have to go thru this.... but " vengeance is mine " sayeth

the Lord. Me too.

> >

> > The school psychologist called to ask me a question so she could

> finish

> > her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given

> from

> > ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp

> ed

>

>

[Guest guest]

this was " so well " said!!!!

gerding100 <gerding100@...> wrote: Pat is right. You need a guy

who looks like nie Cochran, Melvin

Belli, Mason, etc. (except meaner & hungrier with no feelings)

with a $3000 Kiton suit to walk into your county government real

estate assessment office. He can strike up a discussion with the

commissioners about the local history of emergency tax levies and

inquire about the municipality's litigation insurance coverage

limits, and walk away without explanation. He can make similar

inquiries at the state Dept of Ed, identifying your town but

remaining vague. Then he should visit 2-3 of the school board members

1 on 1 and ask some basic questions about records privacy- again,

just leave, no explanation. Maybe a letter to the editor with name

withheld decrying the lack of privacy in " our schools " .

Meanwhile, have your friends make about 7 online inquiries of the

district's insurance underwriters over a 1-2 week period, asking

similar questions from different IP addresses, and add a few

unsolicited phone calls to their investigation staff salted with

tantalizing clues but with no apparent focus. Now start the rumors

flowing- teachers, administrators, have them tipped off from an

unwitting middle school vice principal in the next town that he's

overheard (in a bar) about a New York litigation shark who'se been

looking for a privacy case just like this one for 7 years and he just

wanted to see that the money's there before he feasts (he also has to

wait a few weeks to get his traveling team licensed to practice in

this state). When the municipal sweat is pouring, and the school

board CYA'ers are cringing, slowly identify yourself as the aggrieved

one and be sure to focus all discussion on who blabbed about your

son. She may be forced to quit out of sheer, deserved shame. You can

let the career humiliation sink in for a month before finding some

way to let her know that you did this for her sake. For a so-called

speech therapist, she'll be " speechless " !

I'm sorry you have to go thru this.... but " vengeance is mine " sayeth

the Lord. Me too.

> >

> > The school psychologist called to ask me a question so she could

> finish

> > her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given

> from

> > ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp

> ed

>

>

[Guest guest]

Another 2-cents to add about classroom volunteers... When we lived

in Florida, they actually had problems with parents filing student

work into the kids take-home folders. Some parents were being nosey

& checking out other kids grades. (This was in 2nd grade.) Then

they started talking to everyone about how this kid was struggling

with reading or this kid was great at math. It got so bad, they had

to stop letting parents do anything regarding kids grading.

I mention this only to point out that some parents volunteer to the

point they are acting like classroom aides. If you are in a

classroom weekly, you will pick up on things. And if kids are

leaving the room to get special attention, of course everyone knows

it.

I agree that it was poor & possibly illegal for the psychologist to

ask a volunteer without consulting you first. And I certainly would

make my displeasure known to the school.

But my advice for you is, don't assume that because you haven't told

someone about your kid's special needs that they don't already

know. They may not know the correct diagnosis, but they know

something is up. I also totally agree with the person who commented

that they always let their kid's friend's parents know about their

child. Especially with AS. They can help facilitate & encourage

proper social behavior.

I am meeting with school counselors in the next few weeks in hope of

getting them to tell a few kids in my daughter's class (8th grade)

about her AS. So they can act as social guides for her. Or at

least help her with bullies. She needs other people to understand.

She really wants to do the right thing, but she's often oblivious to

what that is. Trust me, I know that if they tell 2 or 3 kids, the

entire school will eventually know. But is that wrong? I guess I

live in a dream world where I hope by educating everyone about

learning disorders, and ADHD, and AS, and Bi-Polar disease, they

will start to treat these kids with more compassion.

Tara in IN

> >

> > The school psychologist called to ask me a question so she could

> finish

> > her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given

> from

> > ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the

sp

> ed

>

[Guest guest]

Well then it seems that the teacher if she provoked the conversation.. Or

didn't shut down the conversation would indeed be seriously in the wrong.

Do you have an appointment with the school? And have you written a letter

with Cc's to everyone ?

I am sorry you had to go through thing .. While some every day people don't

have the sense to not discuss personal information.. It certainly falls upon

the professionals to remain professional and they should keep their mouths

zipped .. AND rehearse a line like.. " OH I am sorry I understand you know

the family but it would un professional of me to continue this conversation

about someone else's son. "

-- ( ) Re: Can they do this? Is it illegal?

Hi, just my quick 2 cents, am just picking up on this thread,

haven't read them all yet.

But if the parent is volunteering there regularly, I can sort of see

asking the parent about a child in the classroom. Now, that

particular parent getting into how he acts at her personal home,

well, that was just...well, bad luck? in that she has that " extra

info " that she willingly spoke about; she could have just kept quiet

on that and gave her observations about how he is in the classroom.

As to the legality of asking a volunteer (not a paid

employee/staff), I dunno. I can see where personnel shouldn't

ask...but then again, I go back to where I think if a parent is

regularly in the room/volunteering, they probably know " who is who "

anyway in the classroom. I know when my kids were young and I had

the time then to help out at school, I pretty much knew " who was

who " not because anyone said anything, it just becomes apparent

while you're there (getting help from an aide, going to speech or

OT, having to go to the nurse as time for medication, my helping

with tasks...). Hmmm...if someone had asked me about any particular

one (never happened) I guess I would have commented on the child if

I'd helped him/her with things in the room and had some thoughts

about him/her.

Well, just some first thoughts on this!

>

> The school psychologist called to ask me a question so she could

finish

> her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given

from

> ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp

ed

[Guest guest]

Liz, ok, in that case I agree with you, if she doesn't help out in

his classroom even! I looked back at the earlier post and where you

wrote: " ...you believe the sp ed staff actually spoke to another

parent who volunteers at the school about MY SON? " I just figured

she volunteers there a lot, in his room, etc.

Definitely remind them (teach them!) about privacy and students'

rights!

>

> No. The mother was not at the school as a volunteer. She was

there with her 4 year old son who receives speech services at the

school. She has never been in my sons classroom. I know this for a

fact. She and the speech therapist engaged in conversation about my

son & this parent proceeded to explain how my son behaves while at

her house. So she is just a parent who happened to be in the speech

room at a time my sons name came up & she offered info about my

child. Now se is aware my son receives services. We had not planed

on telling anyone. Now she knows, so you can be sure she will spread

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I had a respite worker that decided to work for my child's after school

program and is no longer working with my child due to potential problems and I

had to pull him out of his routine. I was told by the place where the respite

worker was hired from, explained to us, due to privacy, she is not allowed to

talk about anything that was shared with her, even though she is now working for

another organization. but people, regardless or volunteering, hired or just

helping out once in a while, will not think things through before doing/saying

something untill there is a lawsuit. sometimes you only need one lawsuit to

wake up a school that privacy is just what it is...If that person doesn't bring

her situation to the schools attention and make " LOTS " of noise about it. it

will happen again. It must be very important to her because she posted it on

this site. That is just how this should be treated, " important " she needs to

start right away about how she feels about this

private situation now open to all, put everything in writing including to the

speech teacher asking, who do I hold responsible for giving you permission to

ask about information on my son from another parent. tell her to answer you in

writing!! Maybe include the parent, ask her why she shared this information

about you child with the speech teacher. Let her say the reason why to you.

get all this together and bring it up at the school meeting. I hope she keeps

us posted on this. I would like to know if any actions are taken. Hugs to her,

I wish her good luck...

<sirdavjohn@...> wrote:

In that case it is heresay, and cannot be legally used for any

purpose, especially concerning IEPs or any education plans. This is a clear

violation of privacy and the code of ethics mandated by law as I (as an

advocate) understand it. If the psychologist called to say that she was told of

this by another parent, then she was right in doing so. If she is delaying her

report pending your input, that's one thing. If she's delaying her report

pending further input from this parent, or any other, then this is violates

rules of privacy, and as such, is actionable at law. This is no different than

giving me information out of your medical chart at the hospital just because I

asked about your condition. She can be sued, personally, as well as the school,

although it seems that your action would be more fruitful against her

personally. I would look into finding an advocate in your area. Good Luck.

Pam had a good idea to start with.

" Joanne Butts, Executive Director

Parents Are Vital in Education (PAVE)

6316 South 12th Street

Tacoma, WA 98465

(253) 565-2266 (V/TTY); (800) 572-7368 (In WA only)

E-mail: wapave9-2@... "

( ) Re: Can they do this? Is it illegal?

Hi, just my quick 2 cents, am just picking up on this thread,

haven't read them all yet.

But if the parent is volunteering there regularly, I can sort of see

asking the parent about a child in the classroom. Now, that

particular parent getting into how he acts at her personal home,

well, that was just...well, bad luck? in that she has that " extra

info " that she willingly spoke about; she could have just kept quiet

on that and gave her observations about how he is in the classroom.

As to the legality of asking a volunteer (not a paid

employee/staff), I dunno. I can see where personnel shouldn't

ask...but then again, I go back to where I think if a parent is

regularly in the room/volunteering, they probably know " who is who "

anyway in the classroom. I know when my kids were young and I had

the time then to help out at school, I pretty much knew " who was

who " not because anyone said anything, it just becomes apparent

while you're there (getting help from an aide, going to speech or

OT, having to go to the nurse as time for medication, my helping

with tasks...). Hmmm...if someone had asked me about any particular

one (never happened) I guess I would have commented on the child if

I'd helped him/her with things in the room and had some thoughts

about him/her.

Well, just some first thoughts on this!

>

> The school psychologist called to ask me a question so she could

finish

> her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given

from

> ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp

ed

[Guest guest]

Sadly this type of thing does happen all the time. I had a speechie today talk

to me about the little boy that will be going to school with my own son next

year. She was telling me what he scored on assessments and how he managed to

get funding. She tried to cover herself by saying " this is obviously just

between us! "

Beck

Re: ( ) Can they do this? Is it illegal?

I am a teacher. This is definitely illegal. There are laws

regrading confidentiality of ALL students, Special Ed or not. It's

the same thing as if your doctor told your neighbor the results of

your medical tests. If the parent was volunteering at the school she

may need to have some information for safety reason but details of

your son's special ed services are absolutely not necessary to

reveal. Teachers in my school are frequently warned about even

discussing students with other teachers in staff workrooms, etc.

I would start with the school principal, just to show that you are

willing to work with the school, but this is an absolute violation of

your child's privacy and the teacher should be reprimanded and, at

the very least, have an official letter put in her file. In Georgia,

where I teach, you could contact the Professional Standards

Commission. Tecahers have lost their teaching licenses for this type

of thing. It is especially concerning that the Special Ed teacher

was giving confidential information, since they are the ones who

REALLY should know better. It also makes me wonder what information

she reveals about OTHER kids on a regular basis.

>

> " lizs.1234 " <lizs.1234@...> wrote: The school psychologist

called to ask me a question so she could finish

> her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given

from

> ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp ed

> staff actually spoke to another parent who volunteers at the school

> about MY SON? This parent lives on my street and has had my son

over

> to play with hers several times. She gave them detailed

descriptions

> about my sons behavior while he played at her house. I am so mad

about

> this! I thought all sp ed students were given 100% confidentiality

> about their participation in a sp ed program. I never knew it would

be

> LEGAL for the school to discuss my child with anyone other than

paid

> employees of that school.

> Now my neighbor knows my son gets special ed services. I didn't

want

> to share that information. I am so mad. His ARD is tomorrow & my

> husband & I want to let them know we don't ever want them

discusseing

> our son to other parent who happen to be in the teacher workroom

> cutting out shapes for a classroom bulliten board.

> What would you say in the ARD about this? Thanks. Liz

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Smiles and Sunshine,

> Tiffiney

>

> ---------------------------------

> Cheap Talk? Check out Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Beck,

YIKES!

Roxanna

Re: ( ) Can they do this? Is it illegal?

I am a teacher. This is definitely illegal. There are laws

regrading confidentiality of ALL students, Special Ed or not. It's

the same thing as if your doctor told your neighbor the results of

your medical tests. If the parent was volunteering at the school she

may need to have some information for safety reason but details of

your son's special ed services are absolutely not necessary to

reveal. Teachers in my school are frequently warned about even

discussing students with other teachers in staff workrooms, etc.

I would start with the school principal, just to show that you are

willing to work with the school, but this is an absolute violation of

your child's privacy and the teacher should be reprimanded and, at

the very least, have an official letter put in her file. In Georgia,

where I teach, you could contact the Professional Standards

Commission. Tecahers have lost their teaching licenses for this type

of thing. It is especially concerning that the Special Ed teacher

was giving confidential information, since they are the ones who

REALLY should know better. It also makes me wonder what information

she reveals about OTHER kids on a regular basis.

>

> " lizs.1234 " <lizs.1234@...> wrote: The school psychologist

called to ask me a question so she could finish

> her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given

from

> ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp ed

> staff actually spoke to another parent who volunteers at the school

> about MY SON? This parent lives on my street and has had my son

over

> to play with hers several times. She gave them detailed

descriptions

> about my sons behavior while he played at her house. I am so mad

about

> this! I thought all sp ed students were given 100% confidentiality

> about their participation in a sp ed program. I never knew it would

be

> LEGAL for the school to discuss my child with anyone other than

paid

> employees of that school.

> Now my neighbor knows my son gets special ed services. I didn't

want

> to share that information. I am so mad. His ARD is tomorrow & my

> husband & I want to let them know we don't ever want them

discusseing

> our son to other parent who happen to be in the teacher workroom

> cutting out shapes for a classroom bulliten board.

> What would you say in the ARD about this? Thanks. Liz

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Smiles and Sunshine,

> Tiffiney

>

> ---------------------------------

> Cheap Talk? Check out Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I know and this lady will most likely pick up the contract for the department of

education next year and her son is going to be in my sons class so I'll be

seeing lots of her next year.

Beck

Re: ( ) Can they do this? Is it illegal?

I am a teacher. This is definitely illegal. There are laws

regrading confidentiality of ALL students, Special Ed or not. It's

the same thing as if your doctor told your neighbor the results of

your medical tests. If the parent was volunteering at the school she

may need to have some information for safety reason but details of

your son's special ed services are absolutely not necessary to

reveal. Teachers in my school are frequently warned about even

discussing students with other teachers in staff workrooms, etc.

I would start with the school principal, just to show that you are

willing to work with the school, but this is an absolute violation of

your child's privacy and the teacher should be reprimanded and, at

the very least, have an official letter put in her file. In Georgia,

where I teach, you could contact the Professional Standards

Commission. Tecahers have lost their teaching licenses for this type

of thing. It is especially concerning that the Special Ed teacher

was giving confidential information, since they are the ones who

REALLY should know better. It also makes me wonder what information

she reveals about OTHER kids on a regular basis.

>

> " lizs.1234 " <lizs.1234@...> wrote: The school psychologist

called to ask me a question so she could finish

> her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given

from

> ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp ed

> staff actually spoke to another parent who volunteers at the school

> about MY SON? This parent lives on my street and has had my son

over

> to play with hers several times. She gave them detailed

descriptions

> about my sons behavior while he played at her house. I am so mad

about

> this! I thought all sp ed students were given 100% confidentiality

> about their participation in a sp ed program. I never knew it would

be

> LEGAL for the school to discuss my child with anyone other than

paid

> employees of that school.

> Now my neighbor knows my son gets special ed services. I didn't

want

> to share that information. I am so mad. His ARD is tomorrow & my

> husband & I want to let them know we don't ever want them

discusseing

> our son to other parent who happen to be in the teacher workroom

> cutting out shapes for a classroom bulliten board.

> What would you say in the ARD about this? Thanks. Liz

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Smiles and Sunshine,

> Tiffiney

>

> ---------------------------------

> Cheap Talk? Check out Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Guess you'll have to be watching what you say with her!

Roxanna

Re: ( ) Can they do this? Is it illegal?

I am a teacher. This is definitely illegal. There are laws

regrading confidentiality of ALL students, Special Ed or not. It's

the same thing as if your doctor told your neighbor the results of

your medical tests. If the parent was volunteering at the school she

may need to have some information for safety reason but details of

your son's special ed services are absolutely not necessary to

reveal. Teachers in my school are frequently warned about even

discussing students with other teachers in staff workrooms, etc.

I would start with the school principal, just to show that you are

willing to work with the school, but this is an absolute violation of

your child's privacy and the teacher should be reprimanded and, at

the very least, have an official letter put in her file. In Georgia,

where I teach, you could contact the Professional Standards

Commission. Tecahers have lost their teaching licenses for this type

of thing. It is especially concerning that the Special Ed teacher

was giving confidential information, since they are the ones who

REALLY should know better. It also makes me wonder what information

she reveals about OTHER kids on a regular basis.

>

> " lizs.1234 " <lizs.1234@...> wrote: The school psychologist

called to ask me a question so she could finish

> her report. She wanted to see if the information that was given

from

> ANOTHER PARENT about MY SON was accurate. Can you believe the sp ed

> staff actually spoke to another parent who volunteers at the school

> about MY SON? This parent lives on my street and has had my son

over

> to play with hers several times. She gave them detailed

descriptions

> about my sons behavior while he played at her house. I am so mad

about

> this! I thought all sp ed students were given 100% confidentiality

> about their participation in a sp ed program. I never knew it would

be

> LEGAL for the school to discuss my child with anyone other than

paid

> employees of that school.

> Now my neighbor knows my son gets special ed services. I didn't

want

> to share that information. I am so mad. His ARD is tomorrow & my

> husband & I want to let them know we don't ever want them

discusseing

> our son to other parent who happen to be in the teacher workroom

> cutting out shapes for a classroom bulliten board.

> What would you say in the ARD about this? Thanks. Liz

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Smiles and Sunshine,

> Tiffiney

>

> ---------------------------------

> Cheap Talk? Check out Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates.

>

>