School Law and Ethics
Cole Graverson
Learning Objectives and Guiding
Questions
▪ Learning Objective(s):
▪ Basic history understanding of federal laws in education
▪ Understand what a law is and how it is enacted?
▪ Learning current Indiana laws and state board actions
Guiding questions:
What are current laws being voted on right now?
How does learning this information make us better or
worse teachers?
Introduction Video to Education Law
No Child Left Behind Act
▪ Significant federal education law aimed at improving academic
outcomes and accountability in U.S. schools.
▪ Emphasized standardized testing in reading and math for grades 3
through 8 and high school, holding schools accountable for making
Adequate Yearly Progress toward proficiency.
▪ The law mandated highly qualified teachers, increased funding for
disadvantaged schools through Title I programs, and required
reporting of educational data to look at disparities.
▪ NCLB also provided options for parents of students in low performing
schools, including school choice and supplemental educational
services.
Every Student Succeeds Act
▪
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), established in 2015, replaced
the No Child Left Behind Act. Its aim was to maintain accountability
while offering greater flexibility to states.
▪ It encouraged and allowed indicators beyond standardized tests to
measure student success.
▪ ESSA focuses on addressing achievement gaps, supports disadvantaged
students, and requires state-specific accountability plans.
▪ The law emphasizes community involvement and grants states more
autonomy in tailoring education strategies to their unique needs.
Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act
▪
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal
law in the United States that ensures students with disabilities
receive a free and appropriate public education.
▪ Reauthorized in 2004, IDEA mandates the provision of special
education services tailored to the unique needs of each eligible
student.
▪ The law outlines specific procedural safeguards to protect the rights
of students with disabilities and their parents, including the
development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that details
the student's learning goals and support services.
Common Core State Standards
▪
The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) is an educational initiative
in the United States that outlines specific learning goals in English
language arts and mathematics for students in kindergarten through
12th grade.
▪ Developed by education experts and stakeholders from multiple states,
the CCSS aims to establish consistent academic expectations
nationwide, ensuring that students are adequately prepared for
college and career success. The standards emphasize critical
thinking, problem-solving, and deeper understanding of core
concepts.
What is a bill? How is it passed in
Indiana
▪ Aa bill is a proposal for a new law, or a proposed amendment to an existing law, that is presented for
consideration.
Typical Process
▪ Bill Drafting by legislature from education experts
▪ Introduction by House Representatives or Senate.
▪ Committee Review by representatives specializing in education. Holds hearing and debates the bill.
▪ Floor Action. Presented to full House or Senate. Can propose amendments and vote.
▪ Chamber Approval. Both have to approve.
▪ Conference Committee
▪ Final Approval
▪ Governor's Action
▪ Enactment
Indiana Legislature
▪ Governor Eric Holcomb
▪ 100 Indiana House of Representatives
▪ 50 member in Indiana Senate
State Board
▪ Established by the Indiana General Assembly, the State Board of Education
oversees K-12 education policymaking in the State of Indiana. The bipartisan board
is composed of eleven members, including the Secretary of Education. Eight
members are appointed by the Governor and must include:
▪ At least six appointees with professional experience in the field of education;
▪ Not more than one appointee from a particular congressional district; and
▪ Not more than five appointees belonging to the same political party.
▪ The remaining two board members are appointed by the Speaker of the Indiana
House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Indiana Senate
respectively.
Kahoot
▪ [Link]
4e23-8852-12724f122956
New Laws in Indiana
New Laws in Indiana
Task 2
▪ Find a current Indiana law that has been passed and will be
implemented in 2023 or 2024 school year.
▪ Your job will be to find a bill or referendum, and report to the group
what it is, how this will affect schools, and how much it will cost.
▪ If struggling to find resources, here are some!
▪ We will have 5 minutes to do this. Excited to hear your findings!
▪ [Link]
ficials-roll-out-school-guidance-on-newly-passed-laws/
▪ [Link]
▪ [Link]
y-referendum-indiana-fort-wayne-mental-health-students-therapist
Exit Slip
▪ How does learning this information make us better or worse
teachers?
▪ Write answers on a piece of paper
