Bonus Round: If you read this and post your ideas and thoughts about laws and education, you get extra credit. Laws are constantly changing, so the point is for you to know that laws seriously influence many aspects of education and while there are some significant federal laws in education, there are also many state and local laws that you should become aware of as the need presents itself (you get a job).
Whether you are a teacher or a (potential) parent, here are some of the laws you should know about. Study this for Praxis, skim it for most other purposes.
Some people feel that information should be free. One concept related to this idea is the "copyleft" which is the opposite of a copyright: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyleft
(just read enough to get the concept, unless you want the historical details)
There are many creative commons/open source/copyleft documents, images, sound files, softwares, etc. that you can access for your students. Here is just one of those: http://www.wikimedia.org/
This law required schools to bring children up to high levels of competency (as measured by standardized tests) by 2013-2014 academic year. As we approach that year, many states are concerned that test scores have not reached the levels expected. As a result, these states are asking for waivers and that seems to be a strong trend. Here is an article about both the details of the laws and states' concerns: http://www.edweek.org/ew/issues/no-child-left-behind
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Table of Contents
Introduction
Bonus Round: If you read this and post your ideas and thoughts about laws and education, you get extra credit. Laws are constantly changing, so the point is for you to know that laws seriously influence many aspects of education and while there are some significant federal laws in education, there are also many state and local laws that you should become aware of as the need presents itself (you get a job).Whether you are a teacher or a (potential) parent, here are some of the laws you should know about. Study this for Praxis, skim it for most other purposes.
Copyright
http://www.brighthubeducation.com/teaching-methods-tips/6623-understanding-copyright-law-and-fair-use-for-teachers/Copyleft
Some people feel that information should be free. One concept related to this idea is the "copyleft" which is the opposite of a copyright:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyleft
(just read enough to get the concept, unless you want the historical details)
There are many creative commons/open source/copyleft documents, images, sound files, softwares, etc. that you can access for your students. Here is just one of those:
http://www.wikimedia.org/
Special Education Law
The following pdf has information plus resources.You can also find information in the power point here:
http://capitaledpsych.wikispaces.com/Teaching+All+Students%2C+part+2#Power Point
No Child Left Behind
This law required schools to bring children up to high levels of competency (as measured by standardized tests) by 2013-2014 academic year. As we approach that year, many states are concerned that test scores have not reached the levels expected. As a result, these states are asking for waivers and that seems to be a strong trend. Here is an article about both the details of the laws and states' concerns:http://www.edweek.org/ew/issues/no-child-left-behind
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
http://www.fetaweb.com/04/ferpa.summary.htm