Know and Understand Public Education Laws
It is important to have an understanding of how laws, policies and
administrative procedures interrelate to regulate public schools. Although federal laws and rules form the basis for school
regulations, local school board administrators and decision-making committees develop and oversee policies for school operations.
Teachers often establish procedures for students and aides to follow. A local policy or procedure cannot conflict with state or
federal law unless the school district or campus has received a waiver.
If you don't already have one, ask the district or campus administrator
for a copy of the district’s employee manual and student code of conduct. These documents should include
a majority of the policies and procedures in effect for employees and students.
Major State Laws Related to Teaching
Below are brief descriptions of major state laws regulating educators, schools and students. Local policies and administrative
procedures cannot be in conflict with state laws. To view all state laws relating to K-12 public education, visit
http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/ed.toc.htm.
Provision of Education and Governance: Texas Education Code (TEC)
Chapter 1 requires the equal provision of education for all children as specified by the Texas Constitution, while Chapters 7, 11 and
12 establish the governance structure the Legislature has created to deliver public education to the state’s citizenry. These chapters
of the education code establish the State Board of Education, the Texas Education Agency, the Commissioner of Education, local school
boards and districts, and charter schools.
As a Texas professional educator, you have the choice to be active in enhancing educational opportunities for children in your school
and throughout the state. Having a working knowledge of the governance structure for public education will help you more effectively
advocate for your students and yourself as an educator. Joining an association is an excellent way to be active in your chosen
profession.
Educators: TEC Chapters 21 and 22 establish professional
standards for educators and the quality workplace standards school districts must provide to support student learning. Chapter 21
includes laws relating to educator certification, employment contracts, job dismissal, due process, appraisal, state salary schedule,
planning time, duty-free lunch, freedom from required union affiliation, master teacher qualifications and staff development. Chapter
22 includes laws relating to leave, health benefits and religious freedom.
Parents and Students: TEC Chapter 26 establishes parents’ rights
to access records, assessments and teaching materials and to give consent for their children to engage in certain medical and
instructional activities. Chapters 28-33 establish required courses of study, grade-level advancement criteria, educational programs,
textbook provision and extracurricular activity requirements. Chapter 37 covers laws related to student discipline.
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