Class Act: Updates in Education Law

Dec 17 2022 20 ep. 27 mins 76
Class Act: Updates in Education Law Podcast artwork

This podcast explores legal developments relevant to school districts, board of education members, administrators, teachers, and parents.

  Education  Government  Kids & Family
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Season Six, Episode Eight: Disciplining Students with Disabilities

Dec 17 2022 29 mins  
In this last episode of Season Six, join Christina, Miriam, and Lisa for an insightful discussion about the guidance issued by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS). This episode focuses on legal issues commonly arising when disciplining students with disabilities under the IDEA or Section 504. We will be back for

Season Six Episode Seven: Student Discipline Reminders

Nov 15 2022 33 mins  
Every day, school district board members, administrators, and staff make critical judgment calls about student misconduct and subsequent discipline. What are the procedural and substantive due process rights that all students must receive for discipline to be upheld by a court or other reviewing body? What kind of notice must be given to the student and the student's parents? What

Season 6 Episode 6: Disciplining Public Employees for Social Media Posts

Oct 08 2022 21 mins  
What happens if a public school teacher posts unfavorable comments about her school district on Facebook? What about a professor whose political commentary makes some students uncomfortable? When are these expressions protected by the First Amendment's free speech clause and when do they cross the line into a disciplinary matter? Join Christina, Lisa, and Miriam for a refresher on

Season Six Episode Five: Prayer in Public Schools

Aug 28 2022 27 mins  
This summer, the United States Supreme Court decided the Kennedy v. Bremerton case, which addressed a high school coach's First Amendment rights in praying after football games. Join Christina, Lisa, and Miriam for an in-depth analysis of this controversial decision and a look at possible implications for school districts across the country. This episode delves into the background

Season Six Episode Four: Your Top FERPA Questions

Jun 30 2022 26 mins  
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act seems pretty straightforward: Maintain confidentiality and produce records to parents or adult students. But what happens when a record, like a video, includes information about more than just one student? What is the procedure when the requesting party is an attorney or a police officer? What about parents who want to observe their child

Season Six Episode Three: Homelessness in Our Schools

May 31 2022 23 mins  
As most school administrators know, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act requires districts to immediately enroll students who are experiencing homelessness to ensure educational continuity and minimize disruption to learning. But what happens when a district is not sure whether a student meets the definition of homelessness? And what are the next steps if the family doesn't

Season Six Episode Two: Back to the Basics Part Two

Apr 30 2022 28 mins  
In the second episode of a two-part series on special education basics, Christina, Lisa, and Miriam discuss individualized education programs, free appropriate public education, and least restrictive environment. This episode is especially appropriate for new Board members and administrators, as well as anyone who may enjoy a refresher on the basics of the Individuals with Disabili

Season Six Episode One: Back to the Basics of Special Education Law

Mar 27 2022 33 mins  
Welcome to the sixth season of Class Act! Today's episode presents a general overview of special education law, including a bit of historical background and a discussion about evaluations, eligibility, and Child Find. This episode is especially appropriate for new Board members and administrators, as well as anyone who may enjoy a refresher on the basics of the Individuals with Dis

Season Five Episode 12: Circling Back to Title IX

Jan 31 2022 31 mins  
As school districts begin to implement the revised 2020 Title IX regulations for complaints of sexual harassment or violence, many administrators are facing numerous practical challenges. For example, how does the Title IX process integrate with state laws relating to suspensions and expulsions? What about a Title IX investigation involving an employee entitled to various due proce

Season Five Episode 11: Mask Mandates in Our Schools

Jan 02 2022 27 mins  
Even as the New Year begins, school districts are still dealing with challenging pandemic issues. This episode takes a look at one of the most controversial pandemic outcomes : mask mandates in schools. Whether your board is mandating masks on school grounds or allowing parents and employees to make their own decisions, there are important considerations to keep in mind, including