EDLA 6427 Advocacy from a Legal Perspective

3 semester hours

This hands-on leadership course examines the school leaders, as advocate, as his/her comprehensive duty to ensure school/district compliance with CA Education Code and local, state, and federal mandates so to make certain success for ALL students. Important legal and ethical issues will be explored via a case study approach; enhancing the candidate’s analytical and problem-solving skills. The course will represent a microcosm of the opportunities, challenges and issues which school leaders encounter. Additional focus will be placed on compliance with special education and disability rights law, with an emphasis on cultural competency, English language learners, and non-traditional learning environments, i.e., charter schools. Candidates will participate in residency/fieldwork experiences designed to facilitate the application of theoretical concepts in a practical setting. There will be a strong emphasis on cultural and linguistic diversity, special education and the successful development of English Language Learners, and the parent-school relationship.

Grade of B or higher required.

Prerequisites: EDLA 6423 and EDLA 6426.