This document provides information about an online Public School Law course taught by Dr. William Allan Kritsonis at Prairie View A&M University. The course covers legal principles as they apply to public education. It includes the course objectives, which are to prepare school administrators in various domains of legal and ethical leadership. Assessment methods include exams, group projects, class participation and study time. The course also covers landmark laws such as the McKinney-Vento Act and provides resources for exam preparation.

1. PVAMU
ADMN 5023-Z01 Public School Law
Department of Educational Leadership College of Whitlowe R. GreenCollege of Education
& Counseling
Instructor Name: William Allan Kritsonis, PhD
Office Location: Delco Building, Suite #233
OfficePhone: (936)261-3652
Fax: (713)261-3617
Email Address: wakritsonis@pvamu.edu
Snail Mail (U.S. Postal Service) Address:
Prairie View A&M University
P.O. Box 519
Mail Stop Delco Building, Suite # 233
Prairie View, TX77446
OfficeHours: (NHGC) 2:30 PM – 7:30 PM (M); ( NHGC) 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM & 8:20 – 9:20 PM (T);
(PVAMU) 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 1:50 PM – 4:50 PM (S)
Contact Dr. Kritsonis for Specific Appointment Times
Course Configuration: OnlineContact me through email in ecourse
Course Location: Internet
Class Meeting Days & Times: Online
Course Abbreviation and Number: ADMN 5023--Z01
Catalog Description: An examination and study of legal principles as they apply to public education
(Credit 3 semester hours).
Prerequisites: Admission to master’s program in educational administration
Co-requisites:
Suggested Text: Kemerer,J., Walsh, F., &Maniotis, L. (2010). The educator’s guide to Texas school
law (7th ed.). Austin, TX: University of Texas Press. ISBN: 13:9780292722934
or 10:0292722931
Johnson, S.(2009). Peaks and valleys: Making good and bad times work for you- at
work and in life. New York, NY: Atria, A Division of Simon & Schuster.
ISBN: 13:978-1-4391-0325-8 ( IRead Book)
The University Bookstore or Barnes and Noble are good places to get the books.
House Bill 2504: House Bill 2504 does allow students the choice not to purchase the class
textbook(s). Students have the choice of using alternative methods to access
textbook information (internet websites, books on reserved at the library, etc)
Students are required and held accountability to complete all assignments as
noted in the syllabus.
Access to Learning Resources: PVAMU Library:
phone: (936) 261-1500;
web: http://pvamu.edu/pages/3585.asp
University Bookstore:
phone: (936) 261-1990;
web: https://www.bkstr.com/Home/10001-10734-1?demoKey=d
PVAMU Writing Center:
Web: http://www.pvamu.edu/pages/4399.asp
1

2. Course Goals or Overview:
The goals of this course are to:
1. Acquire sufficient legal knowledge to carry out administrative responsibilities within the framework of the legal system.
2 Prepare the candidate for success on the TExES Exam #068.
3. Acquire sufficient legal knowledge that should the administrator be faced with a law suit, he/she can be successfully
defended.
Course Objectives:
The objectives of this course are to:
1. Prepare school administrators as problem solvers, critical thinkers, and decision makers.
2. Prepare school administrators as educational leaders who have the knowledge and ability to promote the success of all
students by managing the organization, operations, and resources in a way that promotes a safe, efficient, and effective
learning environment (3.0).
3. Prepare school administrators as educational leaders who have the knowledge and ability to promote the success of
all students by acting with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner (5.0).
4. Prepare school administrators as educational leaders who have the knowledge and ability to promote the success of
all students by understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural
context (6.0).
Accrediting Body:(NCATE)Standards Met: (ELCC Standards 3.0, 5.0, & 6.0) (ISLLC Standards 3.0, 5.0, & 6.0)
At the end of this course, the student will:
1. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the American and Texas legal systems and the impact on schools including
US and Texas constitutional provisions, statutory enactments, administrative regulations, and court decisions (3.0).
2. Demonstrate and apply technological innovation in the development of legal issue course components that influence
the policy process in schools (3.0).
3. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the legal framework governing education and the federal, state and local
levels including the structure and function of courts, legislative bodies, administrative agencies and local school
boards in the process of formulating policy relative to all school operations and programs (3.0).
4. Demonstrate an ability to make decisions based upon ethical and legal principles (5.0).
5. Demonstrate and ability to implement policies and procedures that encourage all campus personnel to comply
with the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators (5.0).
6. Demonstrate and apply knowledge about the Texas Education Code and the Texas Administrative Code (5.0).
7. Demonstrate and apply legal, ethical, social, historical and political issues in the process of formulating
policy, rules, regulations and procedures (6.0).
8. Demonstrate and apply knowledge about state, federal, and local legal provisions to school legal problems (6.0).
9. Demonstrate and apply knowledge about how the legal and political systems and the institutional framework of
schools shape a school and community (6.0).
10. Demonstrate an ability to research a legal problem and apply this knowledge to solving school legal problems (6.0).
(ELCC and ISLLC Standards are the same.)
TExES Domain & Competencies Areas
DOMAIN I: School Community Leadership - Values and Ethics
DOMAIN II: Instructional Leadership - Curriculum Planning and Development
Professional Development/Human Resources
DOMAIN III: Administrative Leadership – Safety, Leadership, and Management
2

3. E-FOLD-P (CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK)
Educator as Facilitator of Learning for Diverse Populations
5.0 To prepare beginning administrators as problem solvers, critical thinkers and decision makers.
6.0 To prepare beginning administrators as facilitators of teacher and student growth and development through
understanding of leadership dimensions.
7.0 To provide beginning administrators with an awareness of human diversity, a knowledge of the importance
and skills needed for effective community and parental involvement.
8.0 To prepare beginning administrators to be reflect and continual learners with knowledge and value of self
appraisal techniques and goal setting for a strong personal commitment.
Quality Without Compromise
Closing the Loop
The Six Question Model at Prairie View A&M University
Outcome
What
lts
Is
esu
gies
Desired?
Ma pen?
fR
rate
Ho ke it
Did t
a
o
eo
Wh
wt
p
You
St
Ha
?
Us
Do
Continuous
Improvement
Circle
Th lts?
(CIC)
w
ed?
l
Ho
su
W il
We e
Ass It be
Wh re
ess
at
Re
ans
lts
When
su
Me
Re
Will it
Be
Assessed?
Cycle Dana/Thomas-Smith/Closing the Loop Six Question Model/landscape
3

4. McKinney-Vento Act (Federal Law) 2011
The McKinney-Vento program for Pre-K–16 is authorized under Title VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
(42 USC 11431 et seq.). The program was originally authorized in 1987 and, most recently, reauthorized by the No Child
Left Behind Act of 2001.
The program is designed to address the problems that homeless children and youth have faced in enrolling, attending, and
succeeding in school. Under this program, State educational agencies must ensure that each homeless child and youth has
equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, including a public preschool education, as other children and
youth. Homeless children and youth should have access to the educational and other services that they need to enable them
to meet the same challenging State student academic achievement standards to which all students are held. In addition,
homeless students may not be separated from the mainstream school environment. States, school districts, colleges and
universities are required to review and undertake steps to revise laws, regulations, practices, or policies that may act as a
barrier to the enrollment, attendance, or success in school of homeless children and youth.
TExES Practice Materials and Exams
The Whitlowe R. Green College of Education has purchased TExES practice materials and exams for students seeking State
Certification. These materials and exams are located in the Educator Preparation Lab on the third floor (room 332) in Delco.
The lab will be open from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday through Friday and 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday. Students are
strongly encouraged to visit the lab to review materials and take the practice exams to increase their success on the TExES.
You have to take this electronic exam to get permission to take the TExES.
Certification Students ONLY
All students pursuing Principal and School Counselor certification are required to make contact with the Office of Teacher
Certification and have on file with that office a deficiency plan. Please submit to the course instructor a copy of your deficiency
plan before the end of the semester. If you do not have one please contact the office below.
Whitlowe R. Green College of Education
Office of Teacher Education
Delco Bldg., Room 302
P. O. Box 519; Mail Stop 2425
Prairie View, Texas 77446-0519
Tel: (936) 261-3605
All students pursuing Principal and School Counselor certification are required to devote 5 hours per week
studying for the certification exam utilizing the study material on the website CertifyTeacher. Students must
provide on a weekly basis an electronic copy to their course instructor verifying the study time.
WWW.CERTIFYTEACHER.COM
Course Evaluation Methods
This course will utilize the following instruments to determine student grades:
Final Exam – written test designed to measure knowledge of presented course material (see attached instructions)
Group Project including Power Point and Presentation – assignment designed to supplement and reinforce
course material and readings (20 point reduction for late project)
Class Participation –participation in class discussions via the internet
Book Report (IRead) –A five page written reflectionpaper on Peaks and valleys: Making good and bad times work
for you- at work and in life. (20 point reduction for late project)
CertifyTeacher Study Time -- assignment designed to supplement and reinforce course material and readings
4

5. Grading Matrix
Instrument Value (points or percentages) Total
Final Exam Final exam at 100 points 100
Group Project Group Project at 150 points 150
Class Participation 75 points 75
Book Report 100 points 100
Study Time (Certify Teacher) 75 points 75
Total: 500
Grade Determination:
A = 451 -- 500 pts;
B = 401 -- 450 pts;
C = 351 -- 400 pts;
D = 301 -- 350 pts;
F = 300 pts or below
The Group Project, including the power point and presentation, will be uploaded in eCourses on the specified
scheduled date assigned to the particular topic (150 Points).
Group Project
The Group Project is designed to give you a summary of the laws in Texas which deals with key educational issues.
Groups of two or three students (depending on class size) will prepare a power point presentation from designated topics
in the textbook. Your presentation must also include a summary of five (5) court decisions and applicable laws relative
to the selected topic. The court decisions will be written according to the example shown in Course Content on eCourses.
Each group will be responsible for following the procedures as described in the instruction sheet. There will be a 20 point
reduction for late group projects.
eCourses (Moodle)
Moodle is a tool that Prairie View A&M University uses for assessment purposes. At least one of your assignments will
considered an "artifact" (an item of coursework that serves as evidence that course objectives are met) and will be
eCourses. The assignment(s) to be used as artifacts will be identified by your instructor during the course
of the semester.
Course Procedures
Submission of Assignments:
Group Power Point Presentation
(Group members are in the Course Content of eCourses under one of the folders.)
1. Everyone is assigned to a group and each group is assigned a chapter from the book, The Educator’s
Guide to Texas School Law. Based on the topic, the group is expected to submit:
A PowerPoint presentation with a minimum of 20 slides (NOT INCLUDING THE COVER SLIDE OR
REFERENCE SLIDE(S) to be presented to the class. (Follow the example given by Dr. Kritsonis as to
how to present.)
Five (5) court cases not found in (but related to) the assigned chapter. (Follow the format in the example
verbatim.)
Five (5) TExES-formatted questions.
2. Each Group will be responsible for submitting three (3) discussion questions and leading the discussion
on their assigned chapter via DISCUSSION BOARD.
3. Each group will research and define the term “Landmark Cases” as it pertains to the chapter and submit
alist of those Landmark Cases.
4.Everyone is responsible for contacting his/her group member(s).
5

6. 5. Each group will send a copy of their---
PowerPoint presentation
5 court cases
3 discussion questions
5 TExES-formatted questions, and,
Landmark Cases
to Dr. Kritsonis viaeCourses email the Sunday before the Chapter/Group due date.
Individual Final Presentation
Everyone is assigned a research topic and expected to submit:
An 8 page research paper on the assigned topic in Microsoft Word 2003, Times New Roman 12-point font
th
and APA format (6 ed.)
A PowerPoint presentation of a minimum of 20 slides (NOT INCLUDING THE COVER SLIDE OR REFERENCE
SLIDE(S) ) related to the assigned topic
A minimum of 5 court cases related to the assigned topic SEPERATE from the other 5 cases in the group presentation
All of the above (Individual Final Presentation) must be uploaded via eCourses on or before the Final Exam
due date:NO EXCEPTIONS!
NOTE: Helpful resources for researching topics/chapters are provided in the COURSE CONTENT Section of
eCourses for your use. Two of the sites are also in the syllabus including WEST LAW DATA BASE and LEXIS
NEXIS DATABASE.
Formatting Documents:
Microsoft Word is the standard word processing tool used at PVAMU. If you’re using other word processors, be sure to
use the “save as” tool and save the document in either the Microsoft Word, Rich-Text, or plain text format.
Exam Policy
Exams should be taken as scheduled. No makeup examinations will be allowed except under documented emergencies
(See Student Handbook).
Professional Organizations and Journals
American Association for School Administrators
Education Law Association
National Association of Elementary School Principals
National Association of Secondary School Principals
Phi Delta Kappa
Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association
Texas Association of Secondary School Principals
American Journal of Education
American School Board Journal
Education Administration Abstracts
Education Administration Quarterly
Education Week
Educational Leadership
NASSP Bulletin
National FORUM Journals (www.nationalforum.com)
Phi Delta Kappan
TASSP News Highlights
TEPSA Journal
Texas Study
Theory Into Practice
Today’s Education
West Education Reporter
6

7. References
American Association for School Administrators (http://www.aasa.org/aboutcontent.cfm?ItemNumber=215)
th
American Psychological Association (2009). Publication manual of the APA (6 ed.). WashingtonDC:Author
Educational Leadership Constituents Council (ELCC) Standards
(http://www.npbea.org/ELCCStandards%20_5-02.pdf)
Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) Standards
(www.ccsso.org/projects/education_leadership_initiatives/ISLLC_standards/)
Journals of Law and Education
Lexis Nexis Database
National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) (www.ncate.org/public/standards.asp)
West Law Database
University Rules and Procedures
Disability statement (See Student Handbook):
Students with disabilities, including learning disabilities, who wish to request accommodations in class should
register with the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) early in the semester so that appropriate
arrangements may be made. In accordance with federal laws, a student requesting special accommodations must
provide documentation of their disability to the SSD coordinator.
ADA Statements:
Students with disabilities who believe they may need an adjustment in this class are encouraged to contact the
Office of Disabilities Services as soon as possible. Once you receive a letter of adjustment from the office, make
an appointment with me to discuss appropriate adjustments for this class (note takers, extended time for in-class
essays, etc.).
Academic misconduct (See Student Handbook):
You are expected to practice academic honesty in every aspect of this course and all other courses. Make sure you
are familiar with your Student Handbook, especially the section on academic misconduct. Students who engage in
academic misconduct are subject to university disciplinary procedures.
Definition of Cheating and Plagiarism:
PVAMU is dedicated to a high standard of academic integrity among its faculty and students. In becoming part of
the PVAMU academic community, students are responsible for honesty and independent effort. Penalties will be
assessed for any student who alone or with others engages in any act of academic fraud or deceit. If you have any
questions about the use you are making of sources for your assignments, see me before you turn in the project.
You may feel these measures are harsh, but plagiarism is serious business.
Forms of academic dishonesty:
1. Cheating: deception in which a student misrepresents that he/she has mastered information on an academic
exercise that he/she has not mastered; giving or receiving aid unauthorized by the instructor on assignments or
examinations.
2. Academic misconduct: tampering with grades or taking part in obtaining or distributing any part of a scheduled
test.
3. Fabrication: use of invented information or falsified research.
4. Plagiarism: unacknowledged quotation and/or paraphrase of someone else’s words, ideas, or data as one’sown
in work submitted for credit. Failure to identify information or essays from the Internet and submitting them as
one’s own work also constitutes plagiarism.
Nonacademic misconduct (See Student Handbook)
The university respects the rights of instructors to teach and students to learn. Maintenance of these rights
requires campus conditions that do not impede their exercise. Campus behavior that interferes with either (1) the
instructor’s ability to conduct the class, (2) the inability of other students to profit from the instructional program, or
(3) campus behavior that interferes with the rights of others will not be tolerated. An individual engaging in such
disruptive behavior may be subject to disciplinary action. Such incidents will be adjudicated by the Dean of
Students under nonacademic procedures.
7

8. Sexual misconduct (See Student Handbook):
Sexual harassment of students and employers at Prairie View A&M University is unacceptable and will not be
tolerated. Any member of the university community violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.
Student Responsibilities:
The student is expected to be fully knowledgeable of the contents of this syllabus and his/her rights as a PVAMU
student as stated in the University Catalog and the Schedule.
Attendance Policy:
PrairieViewA&MUniversity requires regular class attendance. Excessive absences will result in lowered grades.
Excessive absenteeism, whether excused or unexcused, may result in a student’s course grade being reduced or
in assignment of a grade of “F”. Absences are accumulated beginning with the first day of class.
Student Academic Appeals Process
Authority and responsibility for assigning grades to students rests with the faculty. However, in those instances
where students believe that miscommunication, errors, or unfairness of any kind may have adversely affected the
instructor's assessment of their academic performance, the student has a right to appeal by the procedure listed in
the Undergraduate Catalog and by doing so within thirty days of receiving the grade or experiencing any other
problematic academic event that prompted the complaint.
Two “C” Rule
Please Note: Continual matriculation at PVAMU requires that no more than two C’s shall be earned in a graduate
degree program. Any grade earned below a C means automatic dismissal from the graduate program.
NOTE: No grade of “C” or below will be accepted toward certification.
TEA ID Number Requirements and Process:
Prairie View A&M University, County-District # 237501, will receive an Oversight visit by the Texas Education
Agency (TEA), Division of Educator Standards during the academic year 2011-2012. This visit is to comply with the
Texas Administrative Code (TAC) 229.6(a)-the continuing approval of an educator preparation program.
State Ethics Law:
Texas Educators’ Code of Ethics-TAC 247.2
Technical Considerations for Online and Web-Assist Courses
Minimum Recommended Hardware and Software:
• Pentium with Windows XP or PowerMac with OS 10
• High speed modem (cable modem) or Broadband network access
• Internet provider with SLIP or PPP
• 16X CD-ROM
• 500 MB RAM
• Hard drive with 40MB available space
• 15” monitor, 800x600, color or 16 bit
• Sound card w/speakers
• Microphone and recording software
• Keyboard & mouse
• Netscape Communicator ver. 4.61 or Microsoft Internet Explorer ver. 6.0 or Firefox 3.0
• Google Chrome is NOT recommended for use with eCourses
Note: Be sure to enable Java & pop-ups
Participants should have a basic proficiency of the following computer skills:
• Sending and receiving email
• A working knowledge of the Internet
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word (or a program convertible to Word)
• Proficiency in the Acrobat PDF Reader
• Basic knowledge of Windows or Mac O.S.
8

9. Netiquette (online etiquette):
Students are expected to participate in all discussions and virtual classroom chats as directed. Students are to be
respectful and courteous to others on discussions boards. Foul or abusive language will not be tolerated.
Technical Support:
Students should call the Prairie View A&M University Helpdesk at 936-261-2525 for technical issues with accessing
your online course. The Helpdesk is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. For other technical questions
regarding eCourses, call the Office of Distance Learning at 936-261-3283
Communication Expectations and Standards:
Emails or discussion postings will receive a response from the instructor, usually in less than 48 hours. Urgent
emails should be marked as such. Check regularly for responses.
You can send email anytime that is convenient to you, but I check my email messages continuously during the day
throughout the work-week (Monday through Friday). I will respond to email messages during the work-week by the
close of business (5:00 pm) on the day following my receipt of them. Emails that I receive on Friday will be
responded to by the close of business on the following Monday.
Discussion Requirement:
Because this is an online course, there will be no required face-to-face meetings on campus. However, we will
participate in conversations about the readings, lectures, materials, and other aspects of the course in a true
seminar fashion. We will accomplish this by use of the discussion board. The exact use of discussion will be
determined by the instructor.
It is strongly suggested that students type their discussion postings in a word processing application and save it to
their PC or a removable drive before posting to the discussion board. This is important for two reasons: 1) If for
some reason your discussion responses are lost in your online course, you will have another copy; 2) Grammatical
errors can be greatly minimized by the use of the spell-and-grammar check functions in word processing
applications. Once the post(s) have been typed and corrected in the word processing application, it should be
copied and pasted to the discussion board.
NOTICE OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Prairie View A&M University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,
disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following person(s) has been designated to handle
inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Name: Renee R. Williams
Title: Equal Opportunity Compliance Officer/Title IX Coordinator
Institution: Prairie View A&M University
Office of Student Affairs & Institutional Relations
Address: P.O. Box 519: MS 1107
A.I. Thomas Building, St 013
Prairie View, Texas 77446
Telephone: 936-261-2123
Fax: 936-261-2138
Email: rrwilliams@pvamu.edu
Individuals requesting a disability accommodation should contact:
Name: Dr. Kay Norman
Title: Administrator for Diagnostic Testing and Disability Services
Institution: Prairie View A&M University
Email: kfnorman@pvamu.edu
9

10. Important Dates:
Academic Calendar – Fall 2012 -REVISED 08/07/12
August 19, Sunday
Check-In University College (Housing)
August 20-23, Monday-Thursday
Panther Camp
August 20, Monday
Check-In University Village-New Transfer Students
Check –In University Village-Returning Students
Meal Plans Begin
August 24-27, Friday - Monday
Regular Registration for ALL Students
August 25, Saturday
Regular Registration for Graduate Students (UG students if advised and issued alternate pin)
August 27, Monday
LAST DAY of Regular Registration for ALL Students
Instruction Begins
August 28, Tuesday
Late Registration and Drop/Add for ALL Students Begins
August 31, Friday
Late Registration, Add Courses, Change Major/Certification or any Matriculation Change Ends for Undergraduate
Students – Student Web Access Closes
September 1, Saturday
Late Registration, Add Courses, Change Major/Certification or any Matriculation Change Ends for Graduate
Students – Student Web Access Closes
September 5, Wednesday
General Student Assembly All Students to Attend
September 11, Tuesday
Census Date (12th Class Day)
LAST DAY to Drop Course(s) without Academic Record
Late Deadline to apply for Fall 2012 graduation
September 14, Wednesday
Withdrawal from courses with academic record ("W") Begins
September 21, Friday
20th Class Day
October 18 - 20, Thursday-Saturday
Mid-Semester Examination Period
October 23, Tuesday
Mid-Semester Grades Due
November 5, Monday
Withdrawal from Course(s) with Academic record (“W”) Ends
November 13, Tuesday
Priority Registration Begins for Spring 2013 Semester
10

11. November 16, Friday
Deadline to Apply for Spring 2013 Graduation
November 22-24, Thursday-Saturday
Thanksgiving Holiday (University Closed)
November 26, Monday
Instruction Resumes
December 3 - 4, Monday - Tuesday
Course Review Day [Classes must convene and instructors will prepare students for Final Exams]
December 4, Tuesday
Last Class Day for Fall 2012 Semester
Last Day to Withdraw from the University (From All Courses) for the Fall 2012 Semester
December 5 - 11, Wednesday - Tuesday
Final Examination Period
December 11, Tuesday
Final Grades Due for Graduation Candidates
December 15, Saturday
Commencement
December 18, Tuesday
Final Grades Due for All Other Students
TExES Principal (068) 2012 Schedule (Paper-Based Tests)
TExES Test Emergency
Regular Score Reporting Score
Dates Late Registration Registration
Registration Date Date for Tests Reporting
Date
w/Multiple-Choice Date for
Date
Questions Only* Braille Test
11/3/2012 10/5/2012 10/12/2012 10/26/2012 11/19/2012 12/3/2012
Most Computer Administered Tests (CAT) are offered on a continuous basis. For these tests, you can
determine specific test-date availability during the registration process.
11