Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have developed knowledge and understanding of the legal framework of education in Australia and of the legal concepts and terminology relevant to the subject topics. Students should be able to demonstrate skills in comprehending, analysing and assessing the significance of legal source materials; determining and writing clearly about the implications of the law for their professional practice and in making oral presentations on selected subject matter. Students should have developed values or attitudes which show awareness of the legal rights and responsibilities of participants in the educational process; awareness of the need to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the legal context of their professional activities; awareness of the need in their professional activities not to go beyond the parameters of the educators' and administrators' professional role; and awareness of the need to seek professional legal advice only from qualified legal practitioners currently engaged in the practice of law.
Synopsis The aim of this lecture-discussion subject is to examine some educational issues which arise at the interface of education and the law. There are no prerequisites. Topics will include the sources of law for education; the nature of legislative jurisdiction over education in Victoria and some issues arising therefrom; the rights of parents and of children in education; and an examination of some ethical professional issues which arise from the impact of the legal system upon the work of teachers and educational administrators.
Assessment Assignment (1250-word case commentary): 30% + Assignment (3000 words): 45% + Participation in discussion and oral presentation: 25%