School Law, Policy, and Compliance
This domain tests legal literacy and policy implementation. Expect IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, Title IX, First Amendment, Fourth Amendment, due process, English learner rights, and McKinney-Vento.
Core rules
- IDEA requires procedural safeguards, IEP implementation, least restrictive environment, and discipline rules including manifestation determination.
- Section 504 prohibits disability discrimination and requires accommodations.
- FERPA protects education records; share only on legitimate educational interest.
- Title IX requires prompt, equitable responses to sex-based harassment.
- Student speech and search rules are context-specific; follow policy and consult counsel.
Worked example
A student with an IEP is suspended for ten days for a fight. The principal ensures the IEP team conducts a manifestation determination within the required timeline, reviews whether the conduct was caused by or substantially related to the disability, and continues services.
Reasoning: the leader followed IDEA discipline procedures rather than applying regular discipline alone.
Traps
- Disciplining a student with an IEP beyond ten days without a manifestation determination.
- Sharing student records informally.
- Treating a 504 plan as optional.
- Ignoring state timelines and notice requirements.
- Relying on hearsay without documentation.
- Applying zero-tolerance policies without required legal analysis.