Education law refers to the body of state and federal law that covers teachers, schools, school districts, school boards, and students. This area of law encompasses various issues including:
Rights and Obligations: Ensuring the rights and obligations of students, teachers, and school administrators.
School Funding: Addressing how schools are funded and how resources are allocated.
Educational Standards: Setting and maintaining standards for what students should learn at different levels of education.
Special Education: Protecting the rights of students with disabilities to receive appropriate education and accommodations.
Discrimination: Preventing discrimination in schools based on race, gender, disability, and other protected categories.
School Safety: Implementing policies and procedures to ensure a safe learning environment.
Student Discipline: Establishing fair processes for disciplining students.
Teacher Rights: Addressing the rights and responsibilities of teachers, including employment, tenure, and working conditions.
Privacy: Protecting the privacy of student records and other sensitive information.
Education law is shaped by federal statutes like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Title IX, as well as state constitutions and statutes. Courts, including the Supreme Court, have also played a significant role in interpreting and enforcing these laws.