I. The Interplay of Law and Ethics for Accountability, Safety, and Climate: Jacqueline Stefkovich & Patrick Pauken
This preconference session explores the interplay of law and ethics in schools and universities. With attention paid to the roles played by attorneys, educators, and administrators in both K-12 and higher education, the presenters and attendees will discuss issues such as speech, religion, privacy, technology, intellectual property, NCLB, the regulation of ethical conduct, and the associated policies and current legal developments that arise from these issues.

II. Sexual Orientation, Public Schools, and the Law—New Developments: Richard Fossey
This preconference session deals with five areas pertaining to sexual orientation and the law: 1) The right of gay and lesbian students to be free from harassment at school; 2) The rights of anti-gay students to express their views in the school environment; 3) Litigation over implementation of gay-friendly curricular themes; 4) The right of gay student groups to school recognition under the Equal Access Act; 5) Rights of gay and lesbian teachers to be free from discrimination in the workplace.

III. Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Special Education Law But Were Afraid To Ask
This seminar provides an extensive overview of current hot topics in special education law. The presenters will discuss the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and its regulations in the context of recent litigation. The session is specifically designed to be interactive and, as such, the presenters will address the concerns and questions of participants and provide practical advice on implementing the law. Among the topics to be discussed are identification and evaluation, free appropriate public education, entitlement of private school students, related services, discipline, attorneys’ fees, tuition reimbursement, and compensatory educational services. The presenters will also discuss the recent Supreme Court cases dealing with the IDEA and disability rights, the intersection of IDEA and NCLB issues and the continuing evolution of Section 504 issues.

IV. Morse v. Frederick: Did the Supreme Court Weaken or Strengthen Student Freedom of Expression?: William Thro & David Schimmel
This preconference session reviews the changing legal and constitutional standards concerning speech or expressive conduct. Specific controversies will include provocative t-shirts, offensive emails and websites, demonstrations and protests, distribution of underground newspapers, and proselityzing religious messages. Discussions will be based on court cases and current school controversies. It will also examine the impact of the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Morse.