Education law is one of the most important fields of the law, and it is also one of the most controversial. The basic concept of education is that a person is entitled to a basic education. This right is not a privilege, but a basic human right that should not be denied. As such, there are laws in place at both the state and federal levels to ensure that schools are able to meet the needs of students and that they are taught in the most effective way possible. Some of the most notable education law issues that are addressed at both the state and federal levels include the First Amendment, religious expression, and regulating the special needs of students.
Basic education is an unqualified human right
In South Africa, we’re still grappling with a number of basic education ills, such as the quality of our governing bodies. To get to the top of the pyramid requires a concerted effort by both the provincial and national authorities to come up with the right education strategies to ensure the best possible results for our young citizens. Aside from good governance, effective communication between the two is a must. We can’t afford to leave any stone unturned in the quest to educate our children.
This is especially true in a country with an underdeveloped education system and a hefty budget to boot. For starters, if you want to make your mark in the education game you need to hire qualified personnel and equip them with the resources they need to do the job. There are plenty of ways to achieve this goal, and a small amount of sweat equity can go a long way.
Federal laws relating to education specify what states must do to meet the needs of students
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) is a federal law that requires schools to ensure that all students are making adequate yearly progress. The law holds schools accountable for meeting student achievement standards in reading and math. It also requires schools to report results for various subgroups of students, including racial minorities, English-language learners, and special education students.
The law requires all students in grades 3-8 to take assessments in math and reading. The tests must be aligned with state academic content standards. Additionally, all students in high school must be tested sometime during their grades 10-12 in reading and math. During this time, teachers must also evaluate students based on their performance.
Special education laws regulate issues not addressed at the federal level
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that governs the education of children with disabilities, and while its stipulations are well defined, state and local governments aren’t immune from the whims of federal finagling. Hence, state laws are not only a matter of course, but also of necessity. With that said, let’s take a gander at some of the more notable statutes in the state of Wisconsin. Obviously, there isn’t a single special education law for every state, but there are a few gems to be had. In the following paragraphs we’ll explore the best of the best and how they fit into the grand scheme of things.
Administrative law affects issues not addressed at the federal level
Administrative law is an umbrella term for a myriad of federal departments and agencies. While the sexiest of these agencies may not be in your face, the best of them all are not exactly sexless either. The good news is that you can do business with the likes of them, and the bad news is that your competition is likely using the same system to boot. Aside from the easiness of doing business with the Feds, there are some nifty benefits in the form of tax incentives, job creation and other perks. So it’s a good idea to do your homework before you make your move, if only to avoid a run for the hills.
First Amendment protection of religious expression in education law
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees people freedom of religion, speech, assembly, petition, and press. In public schools, the government can not prohibit students from expressing personal religious beliefs. However, a student’s right to pray, worship, and read the Bible can be limited by law.
This is because the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment prohibits the government from promoting or encouraging religion. It also prohibits the government from favoring a particular religion or religious belief.
To determine whether an activity is unconstitutional, the government must establish three tests. First, the activity must be unrelated to the teaching of religion. Second, it must be a neutral and voluntary form of expression, and third, it must be done in an area where students can learn about a variety of religious views.