Legal Literacy for Public School Teachers

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 Education Law Association's Legal Literacy for Public School Teachers-a specially adapted publication derived from its top-selling text, The Principal's Legal Handbook-pools the experience and expertise of scholars and practitioners into one valuable resource. 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 - We Must Improve the Legal Literacy of Public School Teachers
John Hatcher III, Luke Stedrak, and Jennifer Mezzina

Chapter 1 - Why Teachers Should Increase Their Legal Literacy
Janet R. Decker

Chapter 2 - The American Legal System
Charles J. Russo and Allan G. Osborne, Jr.

Chapter 3 - Freedom of Expression
Watt Lesley Black, Jr.

Chapter 4 - Student Searches in Public Schools: Contemporary Legal Considerations for Educators
Kevin P. Brady, W. Kyle Ingle, and John C. Pijanowski

Chapter 5 - Student Records
Justin Bathon, John S. Gooden, and James A. Plenty

Chapter 6 - Students' Speech Rights in an Online Era
Mark A. Gooden and Bradley W. Davis

Chapter 7 - Fundamentals of Federal Disability Law
Julie F. Mead

Chapter 8 - IEPs, Least Restrictive Environment, and Placement
Jean B. Crockett and Mitchell L. Yell

Chapter 9 - Disciplining Students with Disabilities
Mark A. Paige