The Worrisome State of Legal Literacy among Teachers and Administrators
Globally, societies are becoming more litigious. As one consequence, educators are developing an increased sensitivity to the legal context that shapes their professional work. While this trend is being led by the United States, its effects are felt in Canada and elsewhere. Accordingly, there has been an observed increase in the fear of litigation amongst educators, which, in turn, impacts their educational practices. This paper argues, however, that this fear is borne more of a lack of legal knowledge amongst educators than it is of the actual prospects of being involved in a lawsuit. It also suggests possible means by which this lack can be overcome which would also serve as a corrective to educators’ misplaced fears.
Preservice Teachers: What do They Know about Cyberlaw?
This paper presents preliminary findings from an exploratory multi-method study into pre-service teachers’ perspectives regarding legal and ethical issues relevant to the use of ICT in schools. It identifies requirements for legal literacy that not only support legally compliant behaviour, but which can also support the development of active citizenship in students and highlights areas of factual legal knowledge which may require more attention in pre-service education.
Law in the schools
Selected Provisions-Constitution of the United States. 1. Education under the American Legal System : An Overview. 2. The Law Governing Public Education. 3. Religion and Public Education. 4. Employment Rights and Obligations of Professional Employees. 5. Civil Rights of Teachers. 6. Student Rights and Discipline. 7. Tort Liability under State Law. 8. Equal Opportunity and Antidiscrimination Laws. 9. Private Education. 10. Charter Schools. Glossary. Table of Cases. Index.