Best Interests of the Student presents both a theoretical model for guiding educators as they confront legal and ethical dilemmas in their schools, as well as highly accessible and annotated court cases for exploration.

Jacqueline Stefkovich is an Independent Consultant, Researcher, and Professor Emerita in the Department of Education Policy Studies at the Pennsylvania State University, USA.

William C. Frick is the Rainbolt Family Endowed Presidential Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Oklahoma, USA.

Part I:A Conceptual Framework 1.Introduction 2.Conceptualizing an Ethical Framework for Educational Leaders 3.A Model for Promoting the Student's Best Interests 4.Grounding "Best Interests" in both Wisdom and Knowledge Traditions 5.The Courts, the Law, and Ethics 6.Applying Ethical Constructs to Legal Cases Part II:Students' Fundamental Rights 7.Freedom of Speech 8 Religious Expression 9.Censorship and Viewpoint Discrimination 10.Technology, Cyberbullying, and Sexting 11.The Right to Privacy 12.School Safety and Zero Tolerance Part III:School Governance, the Curriculum, and the Student 13.Academic Standards, Assessment, and the Right to Education 14.Teachers, Learning, and the Curriculum 15.Governmental Immunity 16.Equity, Equality, and Equal Protection Part IV:Conclusions 17.Conclusions