Читать книгу Ethics and Law for School Psychologists - Susan Jacob - Страница 91

We have explored the three basic sources of public school law within the American legal system, namely, the Constitution, statutes and regulations, and case law. It is evident from the material presented that the federal courts and legislature have had a powerful impact on public schools, particularly since Brown in 1954. But, as Hubsch (1989) pointed out, the role that the federal government can play in fostering quality public education in our nation’s schools is limited. Court decisions spanning more than 65 years have sent a clear message that our schools must provide equal educational opportunities for all children. Equal educational opportunity for all children is not the same as a quality education for all, however, as Hubsch noted. By providing grants and resources, the federal government can encourage quality educational programs, but the bulk of the responsibility for ensuring a quality education for all children must be carried at the state and local levels. Individual teachers, principals, and school psychologists must accept and share in this responsibility.