School Law and the Public Schools A Practical Guide for Educational Leaders

by Essex, Nathan L.

• ISBN13: 9780133905427
• ISBN10: 013390542X
• eBook ISBN(s): 9780133984613
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780205412051
• Edition: 6th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2014-12-29
• Publisher: Pearson

About This Book

School Law and the Public Schools: A Practical Guide for Educational Leaders

ISBN: 9780133905427

This comprehensive guide, School Law and the Public Schools: A Practical Guide for Educational Leaders, is a cornerstone resource for educators and administrators navigating the complex landscape of school law. Written by Nathan Essex, this book has been a trusted companion for educational leaders since its first edition was published in 2008, with the 6th edition released in 2021.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by educational leaders, administrators, and policymakers who need a practical understanding of the legal framework affecting public schools. It is also a valuable resource for students in educational law courses, as well as for anyone interested in understanding the legal aspects of education.

History and Editions

The 6th edition of School Law and the Public Schools has been updated to address contemporary legal issues affecting public schools. This edition includes detailed analysis of sources of law, the U.S. system of courts, and specific legal cases that have shaped educational law. The book also covers topics such as religion in public schools, student rights, and school facilities usage.

Author and Other Works

Nathan Essex is the author of School Law and the Public Schools. His expertise in educational law is evident in the clear and practical approach he takes to explaining complex legal concepts. While this book is his primary work in the field, Essex's contributions to educational leadership and law are highly regarded within the academic community.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Coverage: The book provides an in-depth look at the legal framework affecting public schools, including historical background and contemporary issues.
• Practical Approach: Essex's writing style makes the book accessible to both legal professionals and educators who need a practical guide.
• Detailed Analysis: The book includes detailed analysis of legal cases and their implications for public schools.
• Reliable Resource: It serves as a reliable resource for educational leaders seeking to understand and navigate the complexities of school law.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780133905427
• eTextbook Rental: Available with instant access to eTextbook, search, highlight, and notes capabilities, and create flashcards (ISBN: 9780137521180)
• Related ISBNs:
• 9780133984583
• 9780137521180

Publication Details

• Publisher: Pearson
• Publication Date: December 29, 2014 (6th edition), July 14, 2021 (eTextbook rental)
• Number of Pages: 384 pages
• Language: English
• Item Weight: Not specified
• Dimensions: Not specified

Other Editions and Formats

The 6th edition is the most recent version available. However, older editions may still be relevant for historical context or specific legal cases not covered in the latest edition.

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for School Law and the Public Schools, making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

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By providing this standardized display of information, eCampus.com can enhance the user experience for visitors by offering a comprehensive overview of the book's content, author, and availability. This format ensures that students and parents have all the necessary details to make informed decisions about their educational resources.

Author Biography

Nathan L. Essex is professor of Educational Law and Leadership at the University of Memphis and President of Southwest Tennessee Community College. He received the B.S. degree in English at Alabama A&M University, the M.S. degree in Educational Administration at Jacksonville State University and the Ph.D. degree in Administration and Planning at The University of Alabama.

 

He has held public school teaching and administrative positions prior to completing the doctorate.  Essex’s interests include law, educational policy and personnel administration.  He has served as consultant for more than 100 school districts and numerous educational agencies.  He served as a policy consultant with the Alabama State Department of Education for twelve years and received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions in the field of education.  He is the recipient of the Truman M. Pierce Award for Educational Leadership and outstanding contributions which advanced the direction of education in the state of Alabama, the Academic Excellence Award in recognition of professional achievement and academic excellence in the research, service, and teaching of education, Capstone College of Education Society, The University of Alabama; Teaching Excellence Award; Distinguished Service Award—Who’s Who in the State of Tennessee, The University of Memphis Distinguished Administrator of the Year 1995-96, “Educator on the Move,” The University of Memphis; Phi Delta Kappa, the President’s award for leadership and service to the community, Youth Services, Inc.; Who’s Who in Corporate Memphis, Grace Magazine; and, President Bush’s Community Service Award, just to name a few.  Essex has published numerous articles, book chapters and newsletters on legal issues.  Many of his works appear in The Administrator’s Notebook, The Horizon, ERS Spectrum, Principal Journal, Compensation Review, The Clearinghouse, The American School Board Journal, American Management Association, Community College Review, Education and Law, and many other professional journals.  Essex has authored a law textbook entitled 200 Legal Questions for Educators, which was published by Corwin.  Essex has also published a textbook for public school teachers entitled, Pocket Guide to School Law and a booklet on No Child Left Behind, which was published by Allyn & Bacon.  He is highly sought by educators at all levels to share his knowledge and expertise regarding legal and policy issues that impact educational organizations.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 LEGAL FRAMEWORK AFFECTING PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Sources of Law

The U.S. System of Courts

Analysis of an Appellate Court Opinion

The U.S. Supreme Court

Legal Information Retrieval Systems

Chapter 2 RELIGION AND THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

School-Sponsored Prayer

School-Sponsored Bible Reading

Silent Prayer and Meditation

Prayer at School Events

Voluntary Prayer at Commencement Exercises

Aid to Parochial Schools

Use of School Facilities by Religious Student Groups

Use of School Facilities by Outside Religious Groups

Religious Activities and Holiday Programs

Religious Freedoms Involving Teachers

Chapter 3 STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS

Freedom of Expression

Dress and Appearance

Search and Seizure

Drug and Alcohol Testing

Use of Cell Phones and Electronic Devices

Mobile Devices in the Classroom

Due Process

Corporal Punishment

School Suspension

Expulsion

Student Discipline for Off-Campus Behavior

Classroom Harassment

Child Abuse

Pregnant Students

Married Students

Chapter 4 NATIONAL SECURITY AND SCHOOL SAFETY

Homeland Security

USA PATRIOT Act

No Child Left Behind and School Safety

Handling Violence in Schools

Freedom of Expression: Prohibitions and School Violence

Zero Tolerance and School Safety

Metal Detectors

Chapter 5 INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990 (IDEA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement   Act of 2004 (IDEIA)

National Council on Disability

Education-Related Service Requirement

Isolation and Restraint Laws for Students with Disabilities

Disciplining Students with Disabilities

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997

Chapter 6 SCHOOL PERSONNEL AND SCHOOL DISTRICT LIABILITY

The School as a Safe Place

Liability of School Personnel

Intentional Torts

Defenses Against Defamation

Unintentional Torts

Defenses for Negligence

Proper Instruction and Student Safety

Duties of Supervision

Liability Involving Civil Rights Statutes

Educational Malpractice

Chapter 7 LIABILITY AND STUDENT RECORDS

Sanctions for Violating Family Privacy Rights

Rights of Parents

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Rights of Noncustodial Parents

Rights of Eligible Students

Rights of School Personnel

Enforcement of State or Federal Statutes

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

No Child Left Behind Act of 2002

Defamation Involving School Personnel

Chapter 8 TEACHER FREEDOMS

Substantive and Procedural Considerations

Freedom of Expression

Teacher Use of Facebook and Other Social Media

Freedom of Association

Dress and Grooming

Right to Privacy

Religious Discrimination in Public Schools

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Chapter 9 DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT

Equal Protection Provisions of the Fourteenth Amendment and Employment Discrimination

Due Process Standards and Employment Discrimination

Title VII: Discrimination

Title IX

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

Pregnancy and Public School Employment

Sexual Harassment

Chapter 10 RECRUITMENT, TENURE, DISMISSAL, AND DUE PROCESS

Recruitment of Personnel

Tenure

Dismissal for Cause

Fair Labor Standards Act

Collective Bargaining

Right to Work Statutes

Teacher Strikes

Chapter 11 THE INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM AND SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

Control of Public Schools

Compulsory AttendanceSchool Vouchers

Health Requirements

Residence

Curriculum Standards

Common Core Standards

Special Interest Groups and Public School Curriculum  

No Child Left Behind Act of 2001

Intellectual Property and Fair Use

Use of the Internet for Instruction

Grading and Academic Requirements

Chapter 12 SCHOOL DESEGREGATION

De Jure Segregation

Brown II Implementation

Busing and Desegregation

Free Transfer and Freedom of Choice Program

No Child Left Behind and Civil Rights

Chapter 13 PUBLIC SCHOOL FINANCE

Taxation for Public Schools

Tax Rate

Equity Funding in Education

Legal Challenges to School Funding

The Landmark Rodriguez Case

Litigation Following Rodriguez

Post-Rodriguez Cases

Equity and Adequacy of Funding for Public Schools

Appendix THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AND SELECTED KEY PROVISIONS AND AMENDMENTS AFFECTING EDUCATION