This third edition expands coverage on such topics as the law and students with disabilities, confidentiality, sexual harassment, student searches and tuition vouchers. It also includes some new topics such as bullying, copyright law, and the law and the internet. Both public and nonpublic school educators are aware that courts, over the last several decades, have played an increasingly significant role in defining school policy. Decisions in such areas as school desegregation, prayer, public school financing, student rights, collective bargaining, students with disabilities, sexual harassment and other personnel issues attest to the extent and importance of judicial influence. It is important, therefore, that teachers and administrators have a least a rudimentary knowledge and understanding of school law and how it affect their day-to-day classroom activities. There is a sizable body of school law with which educators should be familiar if they wish to conduct themselves in a legally acceptable manner. Those educators who "fly by the seat of their pants" may be in difficulty if sufficient thought is not given to the legal implications of their decisions and conduct. This text provides introductory material for those educators interested in K-12 educational issues, and who have little or no background or knowledge in school law. This book takes a case brief approach to the study of school law. Case briefs are the means by which students of the law summarize cases to facilitate learning and analysis. This book's purpose is to provide those who are involved and interested in education with a rudimentary knowledge base for making educationally sound decisions within the legal framework of our nation. Having such knowledge may preclude, or at least minimize, an educator's exposure to liability. On the other hand, this book is not intended to scare educators into inaction. Many of the most effective learning activities carry with them a certain degree of risk. Field trips and laboratory experiments come immediately to mind. The knowledge obtained from this book is not intended to end the taking of field trips and the conducting of laboratory experiments. It is intended to be a guide to conducting these valuable activities in a responsible manner that will minimize the educator's exposure to liability.

About the Author
Robert H. Palestini has held positions at all levels of education for almost 50 years. He has been a teacher, principal, superintendent of schools, college professor, and college dean. He is currently dean emeritus, associate professor and founding executive director of the Educational Leadership Institute and Center for Catholic Urban Education Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Karen Palestini, Esquire is Robert Palestini's daughter and is a partner in the Saul Ewing law firm in Philadelphia. She has been an adjunct professor at Saint Joseph's University and Seton Hall University.

Reviews
As a school superintendent for twenty-two years I encountered many of the issues addressed by Robert Palestini in the third edition of his book, Law and American Education. I find that he presents complex issues in an interesting, succinct, and clear manner that is quickly understood by the school practitioner. His many years of experience as a teacher, school superintendent, and university dean/professor have given him multiple perspectives regarding school law. This book should be read and studied by all school administrators who are interested in avoiding litigation that can be lengthy, expensive, and contentious. -- Terrance L. Furin
The impact of our litigious society has not spared our public and nonpublic schools. It is necessary, therefore, that teachers and administrators have a thorough knowledge and understanding of school law and how it affects their classrooms. Robert and Karen Palestini's Law and American Education, third edition, and its user friendly case brief approach provides educators with the legal knowledge they need to protect them and their schools from unnecessary liability. My advice, after more than three decades of service as a teacher, building administrator, and district superintendent with a plethora of associated legal experiences, is you must keep this book on your desk and, before you call your lawyer or district solicitor, consult this valuable edition first. -- Dr. Paul Beck, former superintendent, Upper Moreland S.D. (PA)
In today's complex society, the study of case law has become an imperative practice in all educational settings. Karen and Robert Palestini's Law and American Education, 3rd edition, provides educational practitioners with many seminal law cases that have influenced current educational policy and practice in layperson terms. The text is suited to provide students, teachers, and administrators an easy-to-read option for complex legal cases and difficult legal terms. This easily navigated reference provides quick access to educational case law commonly studied in college and university courses. -- Dr. Ruth Crawford-Fisher, Director of Student Services, Hempfield, S.D.
School law theory succinctly meets practice in Palestini's Law and American Education, third edition. Practitioners will readily locate concise explanations and relevant case summaries from compulsory attendance to school safety to just about any school law issue that may cross the desk of today's school principals and administrators. -- Dr. Joseph Cifelli, former principal Cedarbrook Middle School, Cheltenham, PA



Book Information
ISBN 9781610484008
Author Robert Palestini
Format Paperback
Page Count 112
Imprint Rowman & Littlefield Education
Publisher Rowman & Littlefield
Weight(grams) 286g
Dimensions(mm) 282mm * 218mm * 6mm