Abstract
Qualitative data from a two-year study provides insight into the
benefits and challenges of guiding principles in the gathering of
surveillance amongst peers, colleagues, students, parents, teachers,
administration and IT staff. Poorly written policies related to violent
behaviour evolved across the United States and Canada, due to intial
zero tolerance measures introduced in the 1990s, exacerbating racial and
ethnic disparities. Data collected during the study indicated
surveillance is attributed to five themes: well-being, assessment,
policy, security, punitive, FOIPPA compliance, intent, test taking
procedures and age are all considerations for the theme of policy.
Punitive includes parent reports about teachers, administrative
monitoring, students’ behaviour, investigations, and a reactive mindset
without active monitoring. Few connections were made between the use of
surveillance in schools and learning or assessment of learning.
Similarly, few responses indicated the use of surveillance for measuring
wellness in schools.