Examination of federal and state constitutional and statutory influences on public schools. Emphasis is placed on Pennsylvania statutes, regulations, and judicial decisions affecting teachers and students.

The various influences of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of both the federal and state governments on the public schools in Pennsylvania are examined. Attention is given to the powers of various federal administrative agencies as well as the powers of the United States Congress, the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and local school boards. Various U.S. Supreme Court decisions are discussed as well as selected Pennsylvania Appellate decisions. Particular attention is placed upon substantive and procedural due process issues in relation to specific personnel and pupil actions.