Rules

• Scheduling -  The Calendar is online. BHSU faculty that wish to visit can schedule a time online. All other visitors must contact mentor/coach Sue McGrath to schedule a visit.  Unforeseen circumstances may cause a schedule change.  Notification of any schedule changes will be given as soon as possible. For last minute changes, every effort to contact visitors.  Messages regarding changed may be posted on the Observation Room door. Typically, one to two classes per day will be the limit for using the professional development center.
• Read and sign the Confidentiality Agreement. This form should be completed  before visiting the TLC.  The form can be found under Registration.  The form must be on record in the Elementary Office before visitors enter the observation room.
• Use quiet voices – The children can hear noise from the room.
• Each visit is case sensitive.  Visitors must adhere to the purpose of the visit as indicated on the online scheduling form.
• No personal cameras or camcorders may be used in the observation room or the classrooms.
• Lights in the Observation Room MUST BE OFF when the blinds are open and the observation begins.
• Interrupting the Demonstration Classroom teachers is unacceptable. The classroom teachers have a mentor/coach who is responsible for providing guidance.
• Leave the room as you found it. If something is not working properly or is broken, report it to the school office immediately.

Parent Involvement - Parents must approve of their child’s placement in the TLC classrooms and sign a consent form indicating that approval.  The school and TLC project will provide opportunities for parents to meet with the project partners to discuss the project and offer input into the operation and direction of the Center.  Parents have the opportunity to observe their child’s class through the one way mirror, and are welcome to observe while University classes are present.  We ask that parents let us know when or what they would like to observe.  Parents and other observers will be asked to sign a Confidentiality Agreement form.

Confidentiality

Observers in the TLC are required to maintain the confidentiality of the individual students and staff in these classrooms.  They have a responsibility to protect educational records of the Spearfish School District and will be required to sign a Confidentiality Agreement. 

It is of the utmost importance that observers not disclose personally identifiable information, education records, or the individual names of the students outside of their class/professional development. Under the terms of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, education records disclosed to or observed as part of their participation in the TLC shall not be released to any other parties. The situations observed in school are for their development as a professional educator and not for sharing in personal conversations.