The Importance Of Confidentiality

Introduction
Principals have ethical and legal responsibilities exemplify the importance of safeguarding the confidentiality of personal information in school settings. Assuring families of confidentiality enables them to seek out emotional, financial, and physical support; thus resulting in their child’s successful educational experience.
Instructional Setting, Audience, and Content Area
A discussion on the legal and ethical importance of confidentiality will be presented to the principal, educators of Kindergarten to fifth grade students, staff specialist, support staff, and office personnel. An effective educator must understand the importance of respecting humans right to confidentiality. Overall, school employees will learn by maintaining confidentiality, they can develop a successful partnership with parents and students, resulting in success in the classroom.
Ethical Reasons for Maintaining Confidentiality
Richard Mosby, elementary school principal. He discussed how confidentiality is maintained in the elementary school setting. Mr. Mosby has been a principal for eleven years and has never experienced a security breach with maintaining confidentiality of school records.
School records are kept under lock and key and procedures are in place to access them. While there is a designated “Record Keeper” that allows or denies permission to access school records, there is limited access to records. Approval of access to school records must be granted upon completion of a signature with an explanation. Employees are also required to give a signature upon the return of records.
Employees’ personal information is also kept under lock and key, but there is no option for access. The principal has access to employee observations, as well as other personal information that is kept locked in a cabinet in his office. District officials can request a copy of any/all observations with the approval of the