Rich with the histories of families and steeped in traditions, schools often embrace all that is good within a community. In fact, the school is often where families, students, and staff choose to memorialize the achievements, contributions, and sacrifices of those who learned or worked within the school's classrooms and corridors. A school's…

From the standpoint of a former journal editor and long-time professional, this commentary challenges the direction of the profession as demonstrated in this special section. The ongoing creation of more and more ethical constraints not only harms the profession but also loses sight of fundamental ethical principles.

Asserts that, although the need to keep client records is clear, there is little information available as to how to construct client record. Presents guidelines for what data should be contained in intake summaries, along with assessments, treatment plans, case notes, and other supplemental materials. (Author/NB)

What is the nature and function of case law in our legal system? How are legal case histories used to establish precedent and to assist in the application of legal principles to specific cases? These and other questions are addressed in this examination of the potential of using a basic case structure in educational evaluation similar to that used…

From the standpoint of a journal editor and researcher, this commentary critically reflects on some of the primary notions addressed in the 4 featured articles of the special section, discussing areas of agreement and divergence. As a way of further exploring these ethical and professional concerns, the contentious issue of using school children…

Addresses legal and professional responsibilities of mental health counselors to maintain adequate and timely client records. Discusses importance of documentation and recordkeeping, use of client records in court, characteristics of adequate records, recording content of sessions, potentially damaging records, and correcting and storing records.…

The ESEA Title I evaluation Technical Assistance Centers (TACs) assist state and local education agencies to implement the Title I Evaluation and Reporting System (TIERS), to improve the quality of evaluation information, and to use evaluation results for local decision making. This paper reports on the results of one method of assessing the…

This report contains the findings and recommendations of a task force established to develop a comprehensive statement regarding the confidentiality of adoption records and to define the scope of information (background and/or identifying) to be shared with birth parents prior to placement of a child for adoption, adoptive parents at the time of…

Presents a case history of a private clinical treatment of an individual for communication reticence. Focuses on rhetoritherapy which deals with inculcating effective communication skills. Illustrates the kinds of problems and strategies that characterize private treatment. (JMF)

Reports case study research is essentially concerned with providing credible representations of reality. Notes the possibility of using audio, photo, and video media. Argues for a key theoretical resource, a set of ideas developed around the idea of a case record. (BT)

Provides school counselors with a procedure to record data, organize information according to published professional standards, and provide accountability for school counseling. (Contains 19 references.) (GCP)

Stressing the value of documents and records as information sources for the educational evaluation community, this report explores the differences between the two, their utility for inquirers, and methods and procedures for dealing with them. Three forms of documentary analysis are described: (1) simple tracking, which involves documenting both…

Redefinition of placement to include not only competitive employment but sheltered and volunteer employment as well as training on the job setting can increase the probability of success for head-injured adults. Preplacement preparation and placement selectivity can increase the chances for placement success as illustrated in two case histories.…

Supervisors have legal liability for the therapists' handling of cases under their supervision, and documentation is the only way to demonstrate appropriate supervisory behavior. Presents the Case Review Form, a standardized review form, along with examples of its usage. (JPS)

The efficacy of computer applications is addressed, and social work educators and practitioners are urged to use available technology. A brief overview of contemporary issues, technological developments, and areas of application is provided, and recommendations are made supporting the integration of computers in social work. (Author/MH)