School Policy And Law For Principals

This course examines legal theory and practice in the context of the educational setting. The United States Constitution, federal and state court systems, legal issues, and their impact on schools are discussed, analyzed, and applied to current educational practices.
This graduate-level course is 6 weeks. This course is available to take individually or as part of a degree or certificate program. To enroll, speak with an Enrollment Advisor.

Legal Framework and Other Issues Affecting Public Schools

Examine the administrative structure of public education, including state and local-level agencies.
Examine the role of the school board.
Apply selected provisions of the United States Constitution to the educational setting.
Examine the framework of the state and federal court systems.
Analyze professional and ethical behavior required of school principals.
Legal Research Tools

Define the primary and secondary resources available to research legal issues in education.
School Personnel and School District Liability

Differentiate between individual and organizational liability.
Compare and contrast the elements of intentional and unintentional torts.
Identify the elements of negligence and school/district procedures for responding.
Legal Issues Affecting Students

Analyze the influence of federal and state court decisions on schools in relation to students’ rights, due process, and discipline policies and procedures.
Review the major past and current federal legislation related to serving special populations.
Legal Issues Affecting Teachers and Staff

Examine teachers' rights and how they have been impacted by court decisions.
Apply current law to human resource practices in schools.
Examine the legal foundations of workplace harassment legislation.
Religion and the Public Schools

Analyze the application of the First Amendment establishment clause on public education.
Review related court decisions.
Current Legal Issues Affecting Schools

Evaluate the legislation related to school safety and violence.
Analyze the influence of federal and state court decisions on schools in relation to parental rights.
Review laws related to student records and confidentiality.