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**SUMMER ****2012 ** Georgia State University College of Education ** DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL POLICY STUDIES ** ** EPEL 8330 ** ** Advanced Law, Policy, and Governance ** **Course Title:** **EPEL 8330 Advanced Law, Policy, and Governance** WIKISPACE http://edlaw-gsu.wikispaces.com/
 * Course Syllabus **

**Professor Thomas W. Glanton, Jr. ** 404-877-2899 Email: drglanton@yahoo.com
 * Instructor**:


 * Office Hours**: By appointment


 * Course Location:**


 * Meeting Times:** 4:30pm to 8:30pm Tuesdays


 * Course Description:**

Advanced Law, Policy, and Governance. This course is designed to help students understand the role of law, policy, and governance from a regulatory, constitutional, statutory, and judicial perspective. Students will explore how each of these mechanisms has shaped and influenced America’s current educational landscape and the implications for school leadership. **GSU College of Education Conceptual Framework:**
 * Teaching Strategies:**

Teaching /learning strategies will include: class discussion, group assignments, student presentations and lecture. Online learning will involve class discussions and reflections as well as reading assigned material. As part of the class, students will be required to be actively engaged in leadership activities and duties in their schools and/or districts that will help them meet course objectives.


 * Course Objectives: These objectives are linked to the GSU Conceptual Framework and the ELCC Standards listed below:**

This course provides an overview of the legal systems and governance structure of public schools, with a particular emphasis on the legal issues that face students, parents, and public school employees. (GSUCF—Prepare educators who are informed by research, knowledge, and reflective practice. ELCC Standard 6).

This course is designed to provide information on the constitutional and statutory provisions that effect public schools. Prior knowledge of schools law will be helpful. (GSUCF-Prepare educators who are informed by research, knowledge, and reflective practice. ELCC Standard 6).

Upon completion of this course, students will have:


 * 1) the ability to use available resources to conduct research on legal topics.

(GSUCF=Prepare educators who are informed by research, knowledge, and reflective practice. ELCC Standard 6).

2. an understanding of how law influences the organization and administration of public

schools. (GSUCF-Prepare educators who are informed by research, knowledge, and reflective practice. ELCC Standards 3, 5, 6).

3. the ability to analyze current school practices, noticing potential legal issues.

(GSUCF – Prepare educators who are informed by research, knowledge and

reflective practice. Prepare educators who are empowered to serve as change

agents. ELCC Standards 5, 6).

4. an awareness of the rights and responsibilities of students, teachers, staff, and

administrators. (GSUCF – Prepare educators who are informed by research,

knowledge, and reflective practice. Prepare educators who are empowered

to serve as change agents. ELCC Standards 5, 6).

5. an understanding of the changing landscape of educational governance and policy.

(GSUCF – Prepare educators who are informed by research, knowledge, and

reflective practice. ELCC Standard 6).

6. an understanding of the evolution of the federal, state, and local role in

educational governance. (GSUCF – Prepare educators who are informed by

research, knowledge, and reflective practice. ELCC Standards 3, 6).


 * ELCC Standards:**

3.2 c: Candidates demonstrate an understanding of how to apply legal principles to promote educational equity and provide safe, effective, and efficient facilities.

3.3 a: Candidates use problem-solving skills and knowledge of strategic, long-range, and operational planning (including applications of technology) in the effective, legal, and equitable use of fiscal, human, and material resource allocation and alignment that focuses on teaching and learning.

5.3: Candidates make and explain decisions based upon ethical and legal principles.

6.1d: Candidates demonstrate an understanding of the policies, laws, and regulations enacted by local, state, and federal authorities that affect schools, especially those that might improve educational and social opportunities.

6.3b: Candidates apply their understanding of the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context to develop activities and policies that benefit students and their families.


 * __Expected Student Outcomes:__**

Upon completion of this course students should have:


 * An understanding of the social and political context in which laws and policy are developed
 * An understanding of how law and policy influence the organization and administration of public schools
 * An understanding of the history and organization of the public school system
 * The ability to analyze current school practices, noting potential legal and policy controversies
 * An awareness of the rights and responsibilities of students, teachers, staff and administrators


 * In addition to the course specific objectives as listed, students will be expected to provide evidence of mastery of the following: **


 * 1) Written communication skills
 * 2) Oral communication skills
 * 3) Collaboration
 * 4) Critical thinking, including the ability to compare, contrast, and draw conclusions.


 * __ Class Participation __**__ : __

This course will be conducted in a seminar format. Class participation and attendance in class are required. Come to class prepared to participate in all class activities, (e.g., read all assigned readings and complete assignments prior to class).

Participation in class includes:


 * Providing informed opinions and relevant commentaries on concepts and experiences;
 * Raising insightful, thought-provoking questions;
 * Showing respect for other’s views and allowing others a time to speak;
 * At all times displaying a professional demeanor (which includes turning off all electronic devices);
 * Being in class on time.

Absences from class and being tardy will result in points being deducted from your class participation grade.


 * __ Class Schedule and Assignments and Grading: __**

Class schedules, meeting dates, and specific assignments will be at the discretion of the instructors.


 * __ Grading Scale: __**

The following grading scale will be used:

A 95 - 100

A- 91 - 94

B+ 87 - 90

B 83 - 86

B- 80 - 82

C 75 - 79

C- 70 - 74

F Less than 70


 * DISCLAIMER ** This course syllabus provides a general plan for the course. Deviations from the syllabus as necessary are at the discretion of the instructor. Students will be notified of any changes. Any questions, concerns, or issues about the course requirements must be discussed with the instructor before they are due.


 * __ Use of Technology: __**

The Professional Standards Commission requires technology Standards for Educators. Telecommunication and information technologies will be integrated throughout this course, and all candidates will be encouraged to use technology to improve their learning and meet Georgia Technology Standards for Educators. During this course, candidates will be provided with opportunities to explore and use instructional media, especially microcomputers.


 * __ Diversity Statement: __**

Issues of diversity will be addressed in the course through readings and discussion.

Georgia State University provides program accessibility and accommodations for persons defined as disabled under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. A number of services are available to help disabled students with their academic work.


 * __ Academic Honesty: __**


 * Georgia State University expects that students will pursue their academic programs in an ethical, professional manner. Any work that students present in fulfillment of a program or course requirements should represent their own efforts, achieved without giving or receiving any unauthorized assistance. ** Academic dishonesty is the giving, taking, or presenting of information or material by a student that unethically or fraudulently aids that student or another on work which is to be considered in the determination of a grade, the completion of academic requirements, or the enhancement of the student’s record or academic career**. Students are responsible for the Georgia State University’s policy on Academic Honesty published in the student handbook.**


 * __ Confidentially: __**

Real schools, real people, and real situations will routinely be discussed throughout this course. Students are expected to maintain professional standards of confidentiality both in and out of class. Whenever possible, avoid the use of names, schools, and other identifying information when discussing events and situations.

__Quality of Work __
Your written assignments should be thoughtful and well written. All assigned papers need to be typed with 12 point font and 1 inch margins. The type should be double-spaced. Proper organization of ideas as well as appropriate use of grammar and mechanics is essential for full credit on assignments.

Professional Reciprocity

Within this course, as in life, you will gain as much as you give. I will make a conscious effort to honor your lives and responsibilities outside of the realm of your work as a graduate student. If at any time you wish to be challenged beyond what you are experiencing in class, or if you feel that you are overwhelmed by the expectations, please give me a call. I will be happy to discuss the issues with you and determine the degree to which your concerns can be met while sustaining the integrity of this program.

__Active learning__

Participation includes attendance and collaboration, but it also includes active and appropriate involvement in the group as a whole. You need to be prepared to ask thoughtful questions and make thoughtful comments about the readings during each discussion and/or postings. Likewise, you need to actively listen to others so your comments and contributions can support the coherence and collegiality within the class.


 * Students are required to categorize all written assignments by ELCC standards.**