This article summarizes the applicable judicial analysis for cases in which special education personnel claim that their employing district retaliated against them for advocacy on behalf of students with disabilities. Providing examples of recent relevant court decisions, it traces the applicable essential elements and likely outcomes for such…

Recounts the case of a high school drama teacher in North Carolina who was disciplined after she chose a play for her students to perform, Lee Blessing's "Independence," which contained characters and language a parent found objectionable. Discusses the legal case that ensued and implications for academic freedom and the First Amendment.…

From 19th-century Protestant hegemony to today's religion-free zones, we have found no proper, constitutional role for religion and religious expression in public education. Both models are unjust and, in some cases, unconstitutional. A third model, composed of consensual guidelines, must be translated into local district policies and practices.…

Describes Judges in the Classroom (JITC) that is a statewide program administered by the Washington State Office of the Administrator for the Courts. Explains that the program brings teachers and judges together to promote better understanding of the law and judiciary. Offers contact information for those interested in JITC. (CMK)

Discusses legal issues resulting from implementation of an advisory component in a comprehensive middle school program. Focuses on safety issues in team-building activities, confidentiality and reporting issues related to adult advisory roles, and First Amendment issues related to religion. Examines the teacher's legal role. Concludes that…

Presents four essays that discuss (1) the continued apathy of many English teachers toward censorship of textbooks, (2) the tenuous commitment of the general public to the First Amendment rights of speech and assembly, (3) feminists as censors, and (4) the tendency of conflicts between censors and anticensors to be dominated by the extremes. (RBW)

Offers a forum that is a student-organized role play addressing the controversy about whether prayer should be allowed in public schools. Expounds that the students are asked to incorporate information provided in this issue of "Update on Law-related Education" with independent research to form opinions on this controversy. (CMK)

The various stakeholders in values teaching in schools are all legally bound to participate in the common educational enterprise. The paper discusses the perspectives of each of the stakeholders (children, the state as the upholder of democratic principles, teachers as facilitators and guides, and parents as nurturers, educators, and exemplars).…

Presents three law-related education lesson plans discussing the relationship between church and state. The first two lessons, establishment of religion and free exercise of religion, culminate in the third, a round table discussion. The students research, role play, and argue hypothetical and real court cases. (MJP)