Legal Literacy for Public School Teachers (N O L P E Monograph Series)

Teachers are trained in pedagogy, child development, and subject areas, but they do not receive extensive training in school law. At the same time, they are often the frontline responders to situations that pose potential legal dilemmas. Teachers are trained in pedagogy, child development, and subject areas, but they do not receive extensive training in school law. At the same time, they are often the frontline responders to situations that pose potential legal dilemmas. Legal Literacy for Public School Teachers aims to support educators in developing a better understanding of many aspects of school law, enabling them to make informed and appropriate decisions to avoid legal pitfalls as challenges arise, be in compliance with school policies, guard the rights of their students, and protect their own rights as public school employees. The editors and chapter authors are experts in school law from across the U.S., representing the diverse membership of the Education Law Association which includes practicing attorneys, education law professors, school leaders and teachers, and many others. Importantly, many of the authors of this book have been PK-12 teachers at some point in their careers. Although they are now education law scholars and attorneys, they understand how to translate the law to inform professionals who do not have a legal background. Each chapter highlights the most critical issues and provides practical recommendations. CHAPTERS Introduction J Hatcher III, L Stedrak, J Mezzina Ch 1 - Why Teachers Should Increase Their Legal LiteracyJR Decker Ch 2 - The American Legal SystemCJ Russo, AG Osborne, Jr. Ch 3 - Freedom of ExpressionWL Black, Jr. Ch 4 Student Searches in Public Schools: Contemporary Legal Considerations for Educators KP Brady, WK Ingle, JC Pijanowski Ch 5 Student RecordsJ Bathon, JS Gooden, JA Plenty Ch 6 Students' Speech Rights in an Online EraMA Gooden, BW Davis Ch 7 Fundamentals of Federal Disability LawJF Mead Ch 8 IEPs, Least Restrictive Environment, and Placement JB Crockett, ML Yell Ch 9 Disciplining Students with Disabilities MA Paige