Positive Learning Climates KnowledgeBase

This KnowledgeBase archive includes content and external links that were accurate and relevant as of September 30, 2019.

The Positive Learning Climates KnowledgeBase is an online resource to aid educators in nurturing school climates conducive to learning. It is organized around five elements aimed at developing a positive learning climate.

Task 1: Review Federal Law

This KnowledgeBase archive includes content and external links that were accurate and relevant as of September 30, 2019.

Guideline: There are a number of federal laws and precedent-setting court cases educators should be familiar with to understand the federal school safety requirements. The principal should share this information with his or her staff members. The provided resources can help foster such an understanding.

Resources

Guidelines

Legal

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

FERPA is a federal law designed to protect the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools receiving funds under any applicable U.S. Department of Education program. School districts should ensure all staff members and outside contractors, such as counselors and interpreters, are familiar with the applicable policies on the privacy of student records.

Guidance on Transferability Authority

This link is to the U.S. Department of Education's final guidance on transferability authority.

Office for Civil Rights Guidance on Harassment

This resource offers links to Office for Civil Rights (OCR) guidance documents addressing disability, racial, and sexual harassment in the school setting.

Responsibilities of Schools to Address Sexual Violence and Other Forms of Sex Discrimination

This link to the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights website provides a series of questions and answers on Title IX and sexual violence. As noted in the document, "these questions and answers further clarify the legal requirements and guidance articulated in the April 2011 Dear Colleague Letter and the 2001 Guidance and include examples of proactive efforts schools can take to prevent sexual violence and remedies schools may use to end such conduct, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects."

School Safety and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

This document offers links to sections of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) relevant to school safety.

Supreme Court Decisions Relating to School Safety, Discipline and Harassment

There are several U.S. Supreme Court cases addressing school safety, discipline, and harassment. They set the legal foundation for school safety and discipline addressing student due process, searches and seizures in schools, drug testing on student athletes, and sexual harassment. A summary of each decision with a link to more detailed information is provided.