The Attitudinal and Behavioral Impact of School Law Courses

Abstract

Although past research has documented that school leaders and teachers lack legal knowledge, this study is the first to ask the critical question whether legal training affects educators’ actions and attitudes. School leaders and teachers responded to a survey in the years after completing a graduate-level school law course. They indicated that the course empowered them to solve legal dilemmas. Specifically, 88% reported that this legal training increased their confidence and 85% indicated that the course altered their behaviors. They encountered numerous legal issues, but prior to the course, they received little legal training and had limited access to legal advice.