Litigation and Florida public schools K-12 : identifying the weak link

Abstract

This thesis contains a historical overview of Florida's education program with an examination of legislation, policy development, and case law. Legal disputes result in policy and code changes in Florida school districts. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the dominant weak link leading to the circumstances upon which Florida schools are compelled to litigate. The roles of administrators, faculty, staff, parents, students, and those who are contracted to provide services are examined, as well as policy issues. The methodology consists of relevant literature review of statutes, cases, and articles within the past ten years and a survey circulated to school board attorneys requesting key information about the five most recent cases that have either settled or been adjudicated. Documentation reviewed reflects that the legislature, in cooperation with the Florida Department of Education, has' built an infrastructure creating better communication with school communities in order to identify and make necessary changes for school improvement. The data collected from this study is aimed at assisting administrators and school board attorneys, as well as other interested parties, to identify major issues commonly litigated against Florida K-12 public schools, determine the problematic circumstances causing the litigation, and formulate suggestions for resolution.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2002

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Hall, Daniel E.

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Health and Public Affairs

Degree Program

Criminal Justice and Legal Studies

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Health and Public Affairs;Health and Public Affairs -- Dissertations, Academic;Educational accountability -- Florida;Educational accountability -- Law and legislation -- Florida;School improvement programs -- Florida

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0021722

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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