Queensland independent school teachers' understanding of education law implications.

Queensland independent school teachers' understanding of education law implications.

There has been a widely held view for some time that school teachers and principals need to
possess a level of knowledge and understanding of the legal regulation of schools and that
of their workers. This study explores the level of understanding of legal matters pertaining
to the school environment that independent school teachers hold in Queensland. This level
of ‘legal literacy’ is investigated in a qualitative research study that explains the various
areas of education law that are known and those that are less understood by such educators.
Data was analysed using content analysis methodology, using a coding scale that was
created specifically for the purposes of coding the participants’ scenario responses. Overall,
it was discovered that the level of legal literacy held by Queensland independent school
teachers was alarmingly low. This varied across the myriad topics, but essentially, the
educators surveyed did not demonstrate an adequate legal understanding to successfully
complete their roles. More education in this area should be made available for educators
to better equip them with such an understanding to ensure they know when and how to
more capably protect themselves and the children entrusted to their care.