Student-Tracking Devices in School Badges Spark Controversy
Radio-frequency identification—the same technology used to monitor cattle—is tracking students in two Texas school districts, helping the school systems save thousands of dollars in state funds for student attendance, but raising serious privacy concerns.
Identification badges for some students in both school districts now include tracking devices that allow campus administrators to keep tabs on students’ whereabouts on campus. School leaders say the devices improve security and increase attendance rates.
“It’s a wonderful asset,” said Veronica Vijil, the principal of Bailey Middle School in the 31,000-student Spring Independent School District in Houston, one of the campuses that introduced the...
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