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LEGAL EDUCATION NECESSARY FOR ADEQUATE PRE-SERVICE TRAINING OF TEACHERS, PRINCIPALS AND SUPERINTENDENTS IN NEBRASKA SCHOOLS (SCHOOL LAW)

WILLIAM R. HUGHES, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify topics which should be covered in teacher, principal and administrative preparatory programs in Nebraska, and to determine whether the level of understanding required of a specific topic may differ depending upon the program? The method of investigation included obtaining data from four sources. These were: (1) An examination of ten selected school law texts to identify topics in school law. (2) A review of the current program offerings in fifteen preparatory institutions in Nebraska. (3) A 1980 survey of teachers, principals, superintendents and attorneys to determine the importance and level of understanding required of 79 school law topics. (4) A 1985 survey of teachers, principals, superintendents and attorneys to determine the necessity for legal education and topics of concern. The need for legal background for educators was recognized by texts, preparatory programs, educators and attorneys. Undergraduate programs inadequately cover school law topics. A majority of practitioners considered 70 of the 79 topics of average or greater importance. Educators and attorneys emphasized topics which directly affected practitioners in daily activities and in professional careers. An individual item analysis synthesized the examination of school law texts, the preparatory program review, the 1980 and 1985 surveys. The author made the following major recommendations. (1) Education should focus on those topics which involve daily activities and responsibilities of educators. (2) Teachers need a general understanding of school law. (3) Training for principals and superintendents should be based upon the foundation of educational training provided to teachers. (4) Education and legal aspects of school law should be planned and conducted in a evolutionary pattern. (5) A task force should be established to outline the general nature and specific level elements of an evolutionary education program. Curricular implications of the study are discussed, including requiring an undergraduate school law course and a method for implementing legal education in current programs and in-service is suggested.

Subject Area

Teacher education

Recommended Citation

HUGHES, WILLIAM R., "LEGAL EDUCATION NECESSARY FOR ADEQUATE PRE-SERVICE TRAINING OF TEACHERS, PRINCIPALS AND SUPERINTENDENTS IN NEBRASKA SCHOOLS (SCHOOL LAW)" (1985). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI8606964.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI8606964

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