The Legal World of the School Principal: What Leaders Need to Know about School Law

(Paperback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

The focus of The Legal World of the School Principal is to emphasize the legal responsibilities of the school principal. This book will help principals be knowledgeable of the court cases and federal and state laws that affect their daily work. Research studies have revealed that a large majority of school principals spends over twenty percent of their time on matters that involve legal contentions. In addition, principals report they were not well prepared to meet the legal challenges facing them in their leadership roles. Landmark court cases relating to education are discussed as well as the federal and state court systems commonly found in the United States.

Reviews

Be assured that the reader will learn a great deal about school law as it applies to school leaders at all administrative levels. The introductory chapter on how laws and policies are developed and implemented at the federal, state and local levels provides a foundation for understanding the rights and liabilities of school principals, faculty and staff personnel, and students. The landmark court cases that historically have influenced the work of school leaders provide insight into how the rights of all citizens are protected in a democracy. Although the book title speaks of the legal world of the school principal, other administrative leaders, teachers, staff personnel, students and parents will find the book of special interest and personal benefit. -- Donn L. Black, retired attorney, St. Helena, CA
I encourage school principals nationally to obtain a copy of Dr. Nortons book on school law for their professional library. The content is timely and vitally important for school leaders that must deal with the ever growing legal issues and problems that they must encounter in their daily leadership activities. The knowledge gained in reading the book will serve to give the reader a much greater feeling of confidence as they work diligently to meet federal and state legislative requirements and to carry out the administrative regulations of their local school district. Special features, such as the chapters major learnings summary, are especially helpful. The chapter on the legal rights and liabilities of the school principal centers on a comprehensive discussion of the actual legal issues and problems that must be contended in the leadership role today. -- Larry K. Kelly, Ed.D., author, educator, international consultant
Dr. Nortons book on the legal world of the school principal is one that I wish I had had in hand when I first assumed the position of school principal. The book is a must read for any assistant principal, principal, teacher, classified staff member, or teacher who wants to be well informed of the legal issues and problems that are encountered or are most certain to be encountered in their educational roles. Not only is the chapter on the legal rights and liabilities of school principals of special benefit to the aspiring and practicing school principal, but the emphasis placed on the rights and liabilities of teachers and of students holds highly important implications for school principals as well. One way to make the principals leadership role more effective and of greater satisfaction is to be able to have knowledge of the court rulings that have been decided relative to rights of teachers and students; such knowledge can serve to obviate possible problems related to decisions and practices that are faced in the legal world of the school principal. -- Mike Andersen, EdD, principal, Barry Goldwater High School, Phoenix, Arizona

Author Bio

Dr. M. Scott Norton is a former public school teacher, coordinator of curriculum, assistant superintendent, and superintendent of schools. He has served as professor and vice-chair of the Department of Educational Administration at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and as professor and chair of the Department of Educational Administration at Arizona State University where he is currently professor emeritus.