School Law

Running Head : SCHOOL LAW

School Law

[Name]

School Law for Administrators EDL 720

December 10 , 2008

Dr . Ronnie L . Hunter

Teachers ' Knowledge of Legal Issues Surrounding Students ' Rights

Summary

Even though lawsuits against teachers have multiplied over the last decade , teacher preparation institutions and educational leaders across our nation have yet to recognize teachers ' knowledge of school law as an area that should be at the top of the priority list for improvement in teacher training . Although this new , legally influenced educational environment has not developed overnight

, it has quickly become an area that demands attention among teachers , administrators , and other constituencies . The overabundance of litigation in the United States of America illustrates the legal complexity of the nation and the litigious nature of its citizenry

Accordingly , individuals entering the teaching profession should be equipped with the legal knowledge necessary to protect themselves and the students with whom they have contact . The purpose of this study is to explore some of the underlying legislation and literature that depicts the legal issues surrounding students ' rights and how these issues are interrelated to teachers ' knowledge of school law . Through the information provided in this , it is evident that insight into knowledge of school law among teachers is an issue that is increasingly important to educators and educational leaders in United States

Introduction

In 1989 , the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA ) surveyed principals and school attorneys to determine the impact of legal issues on the educational setting . The study revealed that 58...