Training Course Syllabus:

Effectively Represent and Protect Schools from Common Lawsuits  

School districts are facing tumultuous times as lawsuits against schools, teachers and administrators continue to grow in both frequency and complexity. Are you up to date on the latest case laws and decisions impacting school liability and immunity? Now is the time to hone your skills and learn the latest techniques so you are the go-to expert in the community. This seminar will review federal and state laws impacting education, recent case law updates and effective defense methods you can utilize right away. Register today!

• Examine the latest federal and state laws impacting education and compliance requirements.
• Learn how current cases impact school law and the day-to-day workings of schools.
• Safeguard against legal dilemmas arising from common and simple mistakes made by well-intentioned staff.
• Avoid potential lawsuits by recognizing where typical weak spots exist.
• Identify the steps and requirements in order to prove (or disprove) negligence; a critical aspect of a school lawsuit.
• Learn the latest defense techniques schools should and can utilize to avoid and defend themselves from lawsuits.
• Understand how schools and districts fall under government immunity laws.
• Examine some simple and effective measures schools can take to prevent future lawsuits.

1. Federal Laws Governing Education
   9:00 - 10:00, Written by Alexa R. Ross.
   Presented by Alexa R. Ross in Atlanta and David M. Conner in Savannah.
   1. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
   2. No Child Left Behind Act
   3. Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
   4. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
   5. Americans With Disabilities Act
   6. Other Significant Legislation
2. State Laws Governing Education
   10:15 - 11:00, Written by Alan S. Lowe.
   Presented by Alexa R. Ross in Atlanta and Alan S. Lowe in Savannah.
3. Curriculum Disputes (with Case Law Updates)
   11:00 - 11:45, Written by W. Thomas Cable.
   Presented by W. Thomas Cable in Atlanta and David M. Conner in Savannah.
   1. Biased Textbooks – Objections by Parents
   2. Inappropriate Library/Class Books
   3. Sexual Education
   4. Violent War Re-Enactments
4. Common Cases of School Negligence (with Case Law Updates)
   12:45 - 2:00, Written by Leamon R. Holliday III.
   Presented by Allegra J. Lawrence-Hardy in Atlanta and Leamon R. Holliday III in Savannah.
   1. Injuries During Physical Education and Extracurricular Activities
   2. Bullying, Cyber Bullying and Texting
   3. Discipline, Suspension and Expulsion
   4. Internet Safety and Monitoring
   5. Discrimination/Harassment
   6. Bus Incidents
   7. Student vs. Student Assault
   8. Off Campus Conduct
   9. Constitutional Claims
   10. Educational Malpractice – Does It Have Legal Standing?
5. Requirements to Prove Negligence
   2:15 - 3:15, Written by W. Thomas Cable.
   Presented by W. Thomas Cable in Atlanta and Alan S. Lowe in Savannah.
   1. Defining Standards of Care
   2. Duty to Protect/Supervise
   3. Failing to Exercise a Reasonable Standard of Care
   4. Proximate Cause
   5. Actual Injury
   6. Duty of the Parents and Student
6. Customary Defenses
   3:15 - 4:30, Written by Allegra J. Lawrence-Hardy.
   Presented by Allegra J. Lawrence-Hardy in Atlanta and Leamon R. Holliday III in Savannah.
   1. In Litigation
      1. Determining the Liable Party
         1. School, Board, District, Teachers, Superintendent, etc.
      2. Limiting Damages to Compensatory Damages
      3. Paul D. Coverdell Teacher Protection Act of 2001
         1. Coverage
         2. Exceptions
      4. §1983 Immunity
      5. State Specific Immunities
   2. Preventative Measures
      1. Policy Adherence
      2. Appropriate Record Keeping
      3. Accurate Waivers
      4. Proper Parliamentary Procedures
         1. Robert's Rules of Order
         2. Basic Practice: Motions, Agenda, Minutes
      5. Insurance Policies and Union Requirements

Seminar Summary:

This seminar will review federal and state laws impacting education, recent case law updates and effective defense methods you can utilize right away (see full course description)

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