This Handbook examines the essential nature of the law within an educational context and asks why there is not greater preparation for this aspect of a teacher's role. Principals and teachers across the world now work in increasingly uncertain and challenging environments involving complex legislative frameworks, with their roles and responsibilities constantly changing to meet these demands: thus, it is imperative that educators adapt and acquire new skills relating to child protection and criminal law. On a daily basis, teachers and practitioners are being challenged to critically examine and evaluate the legal rights and obligations of various stakeholders, including students, parents, educators and administrators.
However, if these skills are not developed, the implications will be significant: particularly so if principals are deterred from pursuing innovative education strategies due to potential litigation risks. Consequently, the chapters will empower principals and teachers in the management of these concerns. This wide-ranging handbook, including case studies from around the world, will be of interest and value to both scholars of education law and practitioners.
Karen Trimmer is Professor at the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. Her research interests also include decision-making by school principals; policy and governance; social justice impacts of policy; Indigenous participation in higher education; and quantitative methods.
Roselyn Dixon is Senior Lecturer in Special Education at the University of Wollongong, Australia. Her research interests include the implementation of digital technologies for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and positive behavioural interventions for students with challenging behaviour.
Yvonne S. Findlay is Lecturer at the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. She has over 40 years of experience in education in both the UK and Australia. Her research interests focus on narrative inquiry as both methodology and method and time spent as a police constable in Strathclyde Police, based in the Glasgow area, convinced Yvonne that there is a need for school administrators and classroom teachers to be made aware of their legal obligations in all aspects of school life.
