Full Description
"Now teachers have an absolute desk reference that could be called 'How to Stay in the Classroom and Out of the Courtroom!"
—John Casper, District Achievement Gap Coordinator
Kentucky Department of Education
"Reading this book is the next best thing to taking a class on education law. It could well serve as the resource for such a class!"
—Deanna Brunlinger, Science Teacher
Elkhorn Area High School, WI
Everything teachers need to know about education law
Do you know what you can and can't do and say in your school? Most teacher education programs offer little, if any, instruction on education law. When teachers need advice regarding employment or instructional issues, they may find the search frustrating, time-consuming, or costly. Teachers will find the answers to their most frequently asked legal questions in this easy-to-read book. Key topics include:
Certification, tenure, evaluation, and dismissal
Collective bargaining and teacher contracts
Constitutional rights of teachers
Discrimination and harassment
Academic freedom
Grading policy and integrity of student records
Copyright law
Safety
Also covered are tort liability, teachers' responsibilities regarding the safety and well-being of their students, and teachers' protection from defamation. Educators will find practical suggestions, vignettes, and summaries of judicial opinions with real-world applications. Don't wait for a problem to arise. Read this book and be prepared.
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
1. Introduction: The Historical and Legal Foundations of Public Education
Introduction
A Brief History of Public Education in America
Legal Fundamentals of Education
Summary and Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Next
Endnotes
2. School Governance and the Teacher
Introduction
The Role of the Federal Government
State Education Agencies
Local School Boards
School Finance and Use of Property
Summary and Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Next
Endnotes
3. Basic Constitutional Rights and Freedoms
Introduction
First Amendment Rights
Privacy
Due Process
Summary and Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Next
Endnotes
4. Employment Terms and Conditions
Introduction
Teacher Certification or Licensure
Privacy Rights of Teachers
Salaries and Terms of Employment
Leaves of Absence
Teacher Evaluations
Resignations
Summary and Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Next
Endnotes
5. Collective Bargaining
Introduction
Historical Background
Bargaining Units and Their Composition
Union Rights
Dispute Resolution
Summary and Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Next
Endnotes
6. Prohibitions Against Employment Discrimination
Introduction
Race, Color, Ethnicity, or National Origin
Gender
Religion
Disability
Age
Genetic Information
Retaliation
Affirmative Action
Summary and Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Next
Endnotes
7. Teacher Discipline, Dismissal, and Due Process
Introduction
Tenure Rights
Progressive Discipline and Dismissal of Teachers
Reduction in Force
Summary and Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Next
Endnotes
8. Curricular and Instructional Issues
Introduction
Control of the Curriculum and Academic Freedom
Student Records
Copyright Law
Using Technology in the Classroom
Special Education and Programs for English Language Learners
Summary and Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Next
Endnotes
9. Tort Liability
Introduction
Definitions and Types of Torts
Educational Malpractice
Civil Rights Violations
Summary and Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
Endnotes
Resource A: Court Systems and the Authority of Courts
Functions and Duties of the Courts
Organization of the Federal Court System
State Courts
Court Jurisdictions
Resource B: Legal Resources and References
Laws and Regulations
Court Decisions
Understanding Legal Citations
Resource C: Basic Legal Research: Maintaining Currency in an Evolving Legal Environment
Keeping Abreast of Legal Developments
Useful Education Law Websites
Glossary of Terms, Acronyms, and Abbreviations
Index
