Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
1. Introduction: The Historical and Legal Foundations of Public Education
Introduction
A Brief History of Public Education in America
Legal Fundamentals of Education
Summary and Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Next
Endnotes
2. School Governance and the Teacher
Introduction
The Role of the Federal Government
State Education Agencies
Local School Boards
School Finance and Use of Property
Summary and Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Next
Endnotes
3. Basic Constitutional Rights and Freedoms
Introduction
First Amendment Rights
Privacy
Due Process
Summary and Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Next
Endnotes
4. Employment Terms and Conditions
Introduction
Teacher Certification or Licensure
Privacy Rights of Teachers
Salaries and Terms of Employment
Leaves of Absence
Teacher Evaluations
Resignations
Summary and Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Next
Endnotes
5. Collective Bargaining
Introduction
Historical Background
Bargaining Units and Their Composition
Union Rights
Dispute Resolution
Summary and Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Next
Endnotes
6. Prohibitions Against Employment Discrimination
Introduction
Race, Color, Ethnicity, or National Origin
Gender
Religion
Disability
Age
Genetic Information
Retaliation
Affirmative Action
Summary and Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Next
Endnotes
7. Teacher Discipline, Dismissal, and Due Process
Introduction
Tenure Rights
Progressive Discipline and Dismissal of Teachers
Reduction in Force
Summary and Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Next
Endnotes
8. Curricular and Instructional Issues
Introduction
Control of the Curriculum and Academic Freedom
Student Records
Copyright Law
Using Technology in the Classroom
Special Education and Programs for English Language Learners
Summary and Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Next
Endnotes
9. Tort Liability
Introduction
Definitions and Types of Torts
Educational Malpractice
Civil Rights Violations
Summary and Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
Endnotes
Resource A: Court Systems and the Authority of Courts
Functions and Duties of the Courts
Organization of the Federal Court System
State Courts
Court Jurisdictions
Resource B: Legal Resources and References
Laws and Regulations
Court Decisions
Understanding Legal Citations
Resource C: Basic Legal Research: Maintaining Currency in an Evolving Legal Environment
Keeping Abreast of Legal Developments
Useful Education Law Websites
Glossary of Terms, Acronyms, and Abbreviations
Index