Understanding the impact of legal decisions on American education

Select a court case that directly affected the educational system in the United States. Students will write a 5-6 page paper that addresses the issues surrounding the case, what impact the case had on educational policy or practice, and resulting legal and/or ethical considerations. Students should use the following prompts to guide their papers. Part One: Summary of Case Identify the central issue surrounding the case. What constitutional issues are involved? What specific laws or policies were being challenged and/or were involved in the decision? Summarize the major arguments presented. State and defend your position regarding the case. How does this case relate to our educational structure? Part Two: Impact on Education Why was this case important to education? How did it impact education shareholders (ie. school systems, communities, families, teachers, and students)? Were any laws or policies changed because of this case? How did the current historical, cultural, political, and social context of the time influence the case and the decision? What long term consequences arose from this decision? What were the differing perspectives regarding the case at the time? Today? Part Three: Legal and Ethical Considerations What legal and ethical implications were involved with this case? How would this case impact the education profession? Or you as a teacher? Do you think a wise decision was made in the case?