School Law Archive

School Law topics include: discipline, academic choices, desegregation and race-based admissions, employment, facilities use, federal funding, first amendment and dress codes, harassment, liability, privacy, religion, school governance, school security and discipline, special education, and vouchers.

Liable for Student Achievement?
It is safe to assume that states and the federal government will continue their efforts to redefine and reconstitute the governance of school districts, and parents will try to legally hold school boards accountable for poor student performance. Accordingly, the best strategy for school boards is to improve student achievement.
May 2012

Will Autism Changes Mean Special Ed Changes?
Recently, the American Psychiatric Association proposed revisions for inclusion in the upcoming version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. As a school leader, you may find this news important. This version could change how autism is diagnosed, and revisions could result in fewer students receiving special education services.
April 2012

Good Governance: A Legal View
Effective school board leadership is found where there is effective preparation, communication, and teamwork. Each team member comes fully prepared for their role. Each participates in honest communication with others, learning and sharing. Each knows that it takes a team effort to ensure comprehensive success in all the responsibilities of the board.
February 2012

Putting a Face on Data
The public’s image of education has largely been shaped by the publication of test scores. It is essential that the public and the media hear the real story of public education in your schools. Here are five practical ways to serve as effective ambassadors for your schools.
January 2012

Food Allergy Disaster Prevention
When a school learns a student’s food allergy may require accommodations, it must take the same steps it would take to address any potential disability. If medical and anecdotal information support the need for accommodations, schools must address and accommodate an individual student’s needs in a written plan.
January 2012