Guides: Education Law Treatises: Introduction

Introductory Resources

The Law of Schools, Students and Teachers in a Nutshell by Kern Alexander, et al.
Call Number: KF4119.3 .A43

This introductory text captures the key points of the precedents governing student rights and responsibilities relating to attendance, speech, expression, religion, discipline, grades, tests, drugs, search and seizure, the emerging law of social media, i.e., cyberbullying, and the range of procedural due process interests. Further addresses the range of constitutional rights and protections for teachers as well as employment terms and conditions, including contracts, tenure and potential liabilities. The Law of Schools, Students and Teachers in a Nutshell is also available online via West Academic Study Aids.
Special Education Law in a Nutshell by Ruth Colker & Lauren Sabo
Call Number: Reading Room Study Aid KF4209.3 .C653

This Nutshell presents an overview of legal topics relating to special education services for students in K-12 education. Topics covered include: historical background, Section 504 coverage, IDEA coverage, child find, evaluations, IEPs, disciplinary issues, due process hearings, and state administrative complaints. The chapters include model forms, sample evaluations and IEPs. Also provides examples from a variety of state practices. Special Education Law in a Nutshell is also available online via West Academic Study Aids.

Education Law by James A. Rapp (ed.)
First published in 1984, this is a nationally-oriented education law treatise that covers both federal and state laws affecting public and private educational institutions at all levels. Designed as a reference for attorneys who represent persons having a grievance against educational institutions, and attorneys representing such institutions, as well as school board members and administrators. Includes such topics as: banning of books, school prayer, dealing with students afflicted with AIDS, tax-exempt status for parochial schools, funding accreditations, tort liability. Provides guidance on collective bargaining strategies, drafting codes of student conduct and conducting student searches. Also has checklists and tables of state legislation concerning important issues facing educational institutions.
Education Law: First Amendment, Due Process, & Discrimination by Ronna Greff Schneider
This annually-updated treatise includes discussions of issues of public education and religion, freedom of expression, freedom of expression, due process, gender, race, and educating children with disabilities.