Supreme Court Cases Every Teacher Should Know

Course Description:

This course delves into pivotal U.S. Supreme Court cases that have shaped the American education system. Educators will gain an understanding of the legal precedents that influence their rights, responsibilities, and the educational environment.

Week 1: Introduction to Education Law

• Overview of the U.S. legal system and its impact on education
• Basic legal terminology and principles relevant to education law

Week 2: Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

• End of racial segregation in schools
• Implications for educational equality and policy reforms

Week 3: Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969)

• Student rights to free speech and expression
• Balancing school authority and individual rights

Week 4: Goss v. Lopez (1975)

• Students' rights to due process in disciplinary actions
• Impact on school disciplinary policies

Week 5: New Jersey v. T.L.O. (1985)

• Search and seizure in schools
• Privacy rights of students versus the need for school safety

Week 6: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Cases

• FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) and LRE (Least Restrictive Environment) principles
• Key cases and their impact on special education

Week 7: Cases on Religion in Schools

• Engel v. Vitale (1962) and Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe (2000)
• The Establishment Clause and its application in public schools

Week 8: Recent and Ongoing Cases

• Discussion of recent cases and their potential impact on the future of education
• Open forum for discussion and reflection on the course content

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand key legal principles and their application in educational settings.
• Recognize the impact of Supreme Court decisions on school policies and practices.
• Apply knowledge of landmark cases in day-to-day educational settings.

Who Should Attend:

Educators, School Administrators, 

Education Policy Makers,

Law Students with an Interest in Education Law