Unit 1907: School Law and Ethics in Education

1. Overview of School Law

1.1 Introduction to School Law

• Definition and scope
• Importance for educators and administrators

1.2 Sources of School Law

• Federal and state constitutions
• Statutes and legislation
• Administrative regulations
• Case law and judicial decisions

1.3 Key Legislation

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• Title IX of the Education Amendments
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

1.4 Constitutional Rights in Schools

• First Amendment rights (speech, religion)
• Fourth Amendment (search and seizure)
• Fourteenth Amendment (due process and equal protection)

2. Legal Framework for Education

2.1 Federal vs. State Education Laws

• Role and jurisdiction of federal government
• State education codes and regulations

2.2 School Board Policies

• Creation and enforcement
• Interplay with state and federal laws

2.3 Role of the Courts

• Interpretation of education laws
• Landmark court cases impacting education law

3. Student Rights and Responsibilities

3.1 Freedom of Speech and Expression

• Limits and protections in the school setting
• Symbolic speech and student publications

3.2 Due Process Rights

• Procedural due process in disciplinary actions
• Suspension and expulsion procedures

3.3 Disciplinary Procedures

• Legal requirements
• Zero tolerance policies

3.4 Student Confidentiality

• Privacy rights under FERPA
• Handling of student records and information

4. Special Education Law

4.1 Overview of IDEA

• Purpose and key provisions
• Individualized Education Program (IEP) process

4.2 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

• Definition and scope
• Accommodation and accessibility requirements

4.3 Rights of Students with Disabilities

• Eligibility criteria
• Procedural safeguards and dispute resolution

5. Employment Law in Education

5.1 Teacher Contracts and Tenure

• Contract formation
• Tenure rights and termination procedures

5.2 Anti-Discrimination Laws

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

5.3 Employee Rights and Responsibilities

• Due process for educators
• Collective bargaining and union rights

5.4 Employer Responsibilities

• Workplace safety
• Harassment policies

6. Ethical Considerations in Education

6.1 Conflicts of Interest

• Identifying and managing conflicts

6.2 Academic Integrity

• Plagiarism and cheating
• Educator responsibilities

6.3 Confidentiality and Privacy

• Maintaining student and staff confidentiality

6.4 Promoting a Safe and Inclusive Environment

• Equity and inclusion principles
• Addressing bullying and harassment

7. School Safety and Liability Issues

7.1 Duty of Care

• Legal obligations of schools

7.2 Negligence and Liability

• Definitions and case examples
• Liability for student injuries

7.3 Emergency Preparedness

• Legal requirements
• Crisis management plans

7.4 Legal Responsibilities in Safety

• Reporting and documentation
• Collaboration with law enforcement

8. Emerging Issues in School Law and Ethics

8.1 Technology Use in Schools

• Acceptable use policies
• Cyberbullying and internet safety

8.2 Social Media Policies

• Balancing free speech and school order
• Teacher and student use of social media

8.3 Diversity and Inclusion

• Legal mandates
• Ethical challenges and best practices

8.4 Impact of Changing Societal Norms

• Evolving legal interpretations
• Addressing emerging ethical concerns