Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Course Details
College of Education Mission
The mission of the college of education is to promote inquiry that fosters democratic life and is fundamental to productive activity in the interrelated areas of teaching, research, and service in a multicultural society.
EACS Mission
The politics of education course is aligned with the Educational Administration, Curriculum and Supervision (EACS) area beliefs that PK-12 schools are complex organizations that need leaders who understand: 1) the theoretical and conceptual aspects of schools, their people, and programs for both children and adults who are constantly learning from the context of the organization; 2) the technical knowledge of the content areas and areas of specialization found within the EACS knowledge bases; 3) the integration of theory, research, and practice as a means of grounding new best practices.
The curriculum presented in this course is under-girded by a dynamic knowledge base that reflects current and recommended practices as examined through basic and applied research. The EACS graduate should be able to transfer theory and research into practice and to analyze practice through theory and research. To this end, theory, research, and practice are viewed as reciprocal and equal in developing and refining program area offerings. The politics of education curriculum is vertically and horizontally articulated, allowing students the opportunity to study both the broader area of leadership and an area of emphasis as they become proficient in understanding, applying, and conducting research - both formally, as scholar leaders, and informally, as informed practitioners through action research. The curriculum provides the conceptual and philosophical bases of continuing education as students develop specified competencies.
The EACS faculty recognize the unique learning needs of our adult students. Accordingly, the faculty encourage learning through the utilization of a variety of instructional approaches (e.g., lecture, discussion, large and small group work, computer and non-computer simulation, site visitations, and interactions with practitioners in order to properly engage students in learning. Further, the faculty of EACS recognize that as an outgrowth of its conceptual framework there are knowledge bases accepted by learned societies such as NELP, NPBEA, SRCEA and UCEA.
Within these accepted but evolving knowledge bases there are competencies and skills that may also be applied in regulated field experiences such as internships and practicum. The competencies and skills evolve (broadly) around the following: developing, articulating, implementing, stewarding, and promoting community involvement in developing a vision; promoting positive school culture; providing effective instructional program, applying best practices to student learning, and designing comprehensive professional growth programs; managing the operations and resources in the organization; collaborating with families and other community groups, responding to community interests and needs; mobilizing community resources; acting with integrity and ethically; understanding and responding to and influencing the larger context.
Course Description
This course is intended to familiarize students with case and statutory law which help students develop the skills to effectively identify legal issues within the educational environment. Students will be expected to apply their knowledge of education law to the development of school practices which inform those practices and decision making.
Course Prerequisites
Graduate Standing
Course Materials
Essex, Nathan L., (2016). School Law and The Public Schools 6th ed. Boston, Mass.: Pearson
Additional resources will be provided within the weekly modules.
Important Legal Web Sites
- freedomforum.org
- findlaw.org
- rfrlaw.com
- supremecourtus.gov
- edlawcenter.org
- wrightslaw.org
- aclj.org
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment one: Quizzes |
Five Quizzes over course content Varying points for each quiz |
350 |
| Assignment two: Individual Case Law Briefs | 4 x 25 pts | 100 |
| Assignment three: Group Presentation Activity - Case Study | As you view one of the two case study (A/B) your group will prepare a presentation in response to the provided discussion questions | 100 |
| Total | 550 |
Grade Scale
The following represents the scale used to convert final numerical grades into final letter grades:
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90%–100% (495-550) | A |
| 80%–89% (440-494) | B |
| 70%–79% (385-439) | C |
| 60%–69% (330-384) | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Assignment One: Five Quizzes Covering Course Content
- Quiz 1 - Legal Aspects of Education: Due date - Points 57
- Quiz 2 - Church and State: Due date - Points 65
- Quiz 3 - Tort Law: Due Date - Points 52
- Quiz 4 - Students the Law and Public Schools - Points 100
- Quiz 5 - Teachers Rights - Points 76
Quizzes will be assigned and due throughout the semester. Please see the modules and course calendar for due dates.
Assignment Two: Individual Case Law Briefs
Students will be asked to make 4 case presentations during the semester, and on selected course days students will be asked to present legal briefs relative to discussion that transpired on particular legal topics. Cases will be assigned by the instructor and students are to present their findings that are carefully articulated and thoroughly researched. Do not copy or otherwise plagiarize the brief. It should be your work in your words.
Each brief should be a one-page, single-spaced paper (Times New Roman 12-point font) summarizing the case using the SIX STEP format provided below with at least one paragraph within the conclusion discussing the impact of this case and its decision to you as a future administrator.
Assignment Three: Group Presentation Activity - Case Studies
As you view the following two scenarios (A/B) your group is to prepare a presentation as stated in the activity.
A) Liability of Playground Supervision: Three elementary school teachers are assigned to supervise recess duty for children who are playing on the playground. There are approximately 150 students engaged in several playground activities. Because these teachers do not have many opportunities to visit with each other during the school day, they decide to bring chairs to the playground and engage in conversation with each other while observing the children play. During this time, one child sustains a serious injury when he is struck by a rock thrown by another student.
B) Religious Expression: You have just been appointed principal of a school with approximately 700 students in a conservative community. You discover on your very first day that prayer is recited over the intercom, a scripture is read, and blessings are given before some students eat.
Course Policies
Communication
The best way to communicate with me is through Canvas or email. I will respond as quickly as possible.
Late Policy
No late work accepted unless student notifies me of an emergency
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Academic Misconduct
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the definitions, policies, and procedures concerning academic misconduct. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
This site also defines misconduct, provides examples of prohibited conduct, and explains the sanctions available for those found guilty of misconduct.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
Diversity Statement
The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by embracing each person's unique contributions, background and perspective. The University of Oklahoma recognizes that fostering an inclusive environment for all, with particular attention to the needs of historically marginalized populations, is vital to the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission. This enhances the OU experience for all students, faculty and staff and for the communities we engage.
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The University does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual based on the individual’s race, color, religion, political beliefs, national origin, age (40 or older), sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or veteran status in matters of admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, or health care services that the University operates or provides. For more information, please contact the Institutional Equity Office.
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The University of Oklahoma is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for all students with disabilities. Students with disabilities who require accommodations in this course should contact their professor as early in the semester as possible.
Students with disabilities must be registered with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center prior to receiving accommodations in this course.
If you have a disability and would like to request reasonable accommodation, please see the Graduate Student Handbook or get in touch with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Title IX Resources
For any concerns regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, or intimate partner violence, the University offers a variety of resources, including advocates on-call 24/7, counseling services, mutual no contact orders, scheduling adjustments and disciplinary sanctions against the perpetrator. Please contact the Title IX Office at 405-325-2215 (8–5, M–F) or OU Advocates at 405-615-0013 (24/7) to learn more or to report an incident. Also, please be advised that a professor/GA/TA is required to report instances of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or discrimination to the Sexual Misconduct Office.
Religious Holidays
The university's policy is to excuse absences of students that result from religious observances and to provide without penalty for the rescheduling of examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays. It is the responsibility of the student to make alternate arrangements with the instructor at least one week prior to the actual date of the religious holiday.
Student Grievances
In addition to any policies outlined related to submitting an informal or formal grievance by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook for more information about the process of submitting a formal grievance.
Copyright Policy
It is illegal to download, upload, reproduce, or distribute any copyrighted material, in any form and in any fashion, without permission from the copyright holder or their authorized agent. The University of Oklahoma expects all members of its community to comply fully with federal copyright laws. If such laws appear to have been violated by any user, the university reserves the right (1) to terminate that user's access to some or all of the university's computer systems and information resources and (2) to take additional disciplinary actions as deemed necessary or appropriate. Repeat offenders will be sanctioned and their privileges terminated.
Registration and Withdrawal
If you choose to withdraw from this course, you must complete the appropriate University form and turn the form in before the deadline. If you stop attending the course and doing the coursework without the required paperwork, your grade will be calculated with missed homework and examination grades entered as zero. This could result in receiving a grade of F in the course. Deadlines are shown in the Academic Calendar, which is available from the Office of the Registrar.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|