Is my teacher’s grading practice legal?
My friend and I are both in classes taught by the same instructor, but in different periods. On several occasions, this teacher has given my friend assignments from all her classes, along with answer keys, and asked him to grade them. He has done this without any personal benefit to himself; he’s an honest grader and would never compromise anyone’s grade. However, this raises serious concerns about professionalism. He felt it necessary to point out that this could be a violation of student privacy, and he has recently decided to stop grading her papers, believing it’s not appropriate for a student to evaluate the work of others.
Additionally, this teacher has exhibited unprofessional behavior by using offensive language, including slurs, labeling her lower-level classes as “dumb,” and implying that students are unintelligent when they seek help.
It sounds like you’re in a difficult situation with your teacher’s grading practices and behavior. Your friend’s involvement in grading might not be a legal issue per se, but it certainly raises ethical and professional concerns. Teachers should maintain integrity in their grading processes and ensure that students’ work is assessed fairly and confidentially. Having students grade each other’s work can lead to issues of bias and compromise the fairness of the assessment.
As for the teacher’s comments and behavior, using offensive language and belittling students is definitely unprofessional and can create a hostile learning environment. School staff should foster a supportive atmosphere where all students feel valued and encouraged.
If you or your friend feel comfortable, it might be worth discussing these issues with a school counselor or administrator. They can provide guidance on how to address these concerns and ensure that your school environment is respectful and conducive to learning. Remember, it’s important for students to feel safe and respected in their educational setting.