Standard 6
A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context.
Knowledge
The administrator has knowledge and understanding of: 1. Principles of representative governance that undergird the system of American schools 2. The role of public education in developing and renewing a democratic society and an economically productive nation 3. The law as related to education and schooling 4. Global issues and forces affecting teaching and learning 5. The dynamics of policy development and advocacy under our democratic political system 6. The importance of diversity and equity in a democratic society Performances
The administrator facilitates processes and engages in activities ensuring that: 1. The environment in which schools operate is influenced on behalf of students and their families 2. The school community works within the framework of policies, laws, and regulations enacted by local, state, and federal authorities 3. Public policy is shaped to provide quality education for students rationaleThe School Law Compendium Notebook is a resource that includes links to relevant Maine Laws including a brief description. School law influences the cultural, social, economic and political aspects of school operation. It is essential that school leaders have an understanding of the law as it serves as a guide in the protection of rights of students and educators. The Maine Law Compendium covers several modules and components including the following:
LEGAL FRAMEWORK: Maine State Statutes that cover education, The Maine State Board of Education, The Maine Court System, The U.S. Circuit of Appeals, as well as Major Maine state court cases. TORTE LIABILITY: Statutes covering corporal punishment, seclusion, and restraint, concussions, and bullying. Maine laws surrounding comparative or contributory negligence as a defense and immunity safeguards for school personnel. Cases surrounding Tort Liability in Maine. CHURCH AND STATE: Maine State Law that addresses religion in the schools. Maine State Law relating to tax vouchers being used at any school including religious schools. The Blaine Amendment. Maine’s Circuit Court cases that contested church/state issues. STUDENT CLASSIFICATION: Maine State Statutes or the part of the Maine State Constitution that looks at equity of opportunity in education including school financing. Maine Statutes that provide guidelines for working with ESL children, illegal immigrants, homeless children, gender or any other designated group. State court cases or cases settled within the Maine Circuit Court that have involved desegregation issues or other student classification issues. State protection for sexual orientation. CHILDREN WITH EXCEPTIONALITIES: State Statutes that provide guidelines for working with children of exceptionality including all disabilities as identified in state law and gifted and talented. Maine State court cases or cases settled within the Circuit Court that impact the structure of special education and its delivery in Maine. HOUSSE standards for special education teachers. STUDENTS’ RIGHTS: Students’ rights involving school attendance (compulsory age mandates), online K-12 education, oversight of home schooling, charter schools, user fees, confidentiality of HIV, health concerns with attendance (e.g., vaccinations needed), student records, school curriculum requirements (testing, for instance), etc. Maine’s Statutes relating to students’ rights involving free speech (including a school’s ability to censor), confidentiality of records, dress code, discipline, Maine Statute relating to suspension, expulsion and any other disciplinary measure (like truancy or search and seizure, zero tolerance) Cases settled within the First Circuit Court that involved student rights such as freedom of speech, dress, discipline including search and seizure. TEACHER'S SUBSTANTIVE RIGHTS: Tenure in Maine. Maine law on whistle-blowing: Child abuse and neglect law. Maine Statutes regarding employee discrimination. Maine court cases or cases settled within the First Circuit Court involving teacher rights. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Licensure/certification requirements for teachers and administrators, hiring and appointment laws/regulations, cause for termination of a teacher, personnel evaluation and record-keeping. Union and collective bargaining regulations that could include delineation of the powers of teachers' unions, time frame for the process, what can and cannot be negotiated. |
Dispositions
The administrator believes in, values, and is committed to: 1. Recognizing a variety of ideas, values, and cultures 2. Importance of a continuing dialogue with other decision makers affecting education 3. Actively participating in the political and policymaking context in the service of education 4. Using legal systems to protect student rights and improve student opportunities Artifact standard 6: compendium notebook
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