Functional behavior assessments (FBAs) and behavior intervention plans (BIPs) are critical components in the education of students with, or at risk for, emotional disturbance (ED). The purpose of this article is to compare the legal requirements with the professional requirements for FBAs and BIPs. The comparison is first according to the…

The purpose of this paper is to highlight current U.S. Supreme Court precedents regarding public employee speech on matters of public concern, and how those precedents are being applied by lower federal courts to public school administrators. Surveying the current legal landscape reveals a heightened vulnerability for school administrators…

The adoption of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Education for All Handicapped Children's Act, now the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), have had a major impact on the delivery of services for children with special needs. In light of the legal issues surrounding the delivery of special education…

This study was undertaken in an attempt to document the perceptions of the legal literacy of educators and to discuss the implications for teacher preparation programs. The research further attempted to study the impact and fear of legal issues on the educational practices of teachers, principals, and university professors and to determine the…

Maintains that academia has not escaped the litigious nature of the current U.S. social climate. Cites pivotal U.S. Supreme Court cases on academic judgment and reviews lower court cases where students challenged their assigned grades. Provides suggestions for lessening the likelihood of litigation. (CFR)

Due to their lack of knowledge concerning legal aspects of education, the staff of a preschool was uncertain about the legality of accepted practices in early childhood education and, consequently, exhibited low morale. To remedy the situation, the director of a preschool and kindergarten implemented and evaluated a 10-week practicum intervention…