Student TA Policy

By Srihita Madiraju Sept. 24, 2025

In previous years, upperclassmen had the opportunity to become a teacher's assistant (TA). Selected by their teachers during course selection, TAs provide teachers with various forms of assistance depending on their unique teaching styles, with tasks ranging from collecting homework to reviewing classwork submissions. This year, the school adjusted its TA policies to better align with state education code, disrupting anticipated TAs’ schedules.

By the California Education Code 49066, all students are prohibited from officially grading or entering any grades without explicit supervision of the teacher. Similarly, student privacy is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which states that TAs are not allowed to access student records or gradebooks. However, until this year, TAs were often tasked with grading student assignments, which violates these codes. 

Additionally, the district also issued a new policy restricting juniors from being a TA this year—a surprise to both those who planned for a TA period and teachers who expected student assistance in the classroom.

“There have been rising concerns about whether TAs are actually developing a skill through being an assistant. Therefore, the district may have implemented this policy to encourage juniors to continue taking A-G or community college courses that will grant them enrichment,” Principal Harveen Bal said.  

Moreover, instances have been observed where students spend their entire TA period on their phones and completing other tasks rather than engaging in the class and assisting their teachers. 

“We want our TAs to be students who have taken a course, enjoyed it and are confident enough on the subject to assist others. We do not want students simply rallying for a letter of recommendation, which is also why there is a new guideline for teachers, prohibiting them only writing letters of recommendation for their TAs,” Bal said. 

Although the policy has been implemented with the interest of the students in mind, it led to changes in plans for teachers and students alike, especially because it was announced right before school started, after TAs were already chosen. 

“I was notified only a few days before school started; my course registration would have been different if I had known earlier. The sudden class drop gave me limited time to decide my new class selection, causing me to end up with a class I slightly regret,” Junior Angelica Liljenstam said.

The changes also came abruptly to teachers, who were not informed any earlier than students.

“I do not disagree with the policy, but the timing is inconvenient; we were informed right before schedules were sent out, leaving us with limited time to readjust. As an art teacher whose class involves intensive one-on-one support and physical exertion, my TAs have always been critical sources of assistance to me; this year, I am severely lacking this support as I only have one TA now,” Stacy Rapoport, Visual Arts Department, said. 

Roberto Gutierrez, World Languages Department, observed another effect. “TAing as honors and AP Spanish students in Spanish 3-4 classes would have been a great opportunity for them to exercise their learning and review their understanding through helping other students in less advanced courses. Tutored students would have been able to learn with more personalized help as well; this decision has been quite disappointing for both parties,” Gutierrez said. 

The policy has caused inconveniences for many primarily because of the short notice. Despite its retraction of potential opportunities for students, it is expected to continue into future years unless serious opposition arises.

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About the Contributor

Srihita Madiraju

Staff Writer

Srihita Madiraju is a senior at Leland High School and a staff writer for The Charger Account. When she isn't busy lifeguarding she loves going to the beach with her friends, going on long walks, and reading.