Discusses an Alabama silent prayer law struck down by the Supreme Court. Also discusses two Iowa court cases, one involving prayer at graduation ceremonies, the other involving distribution of Bibles in state schools. (MD)

In setting policy on the impact of attendance on grades and graduation requirements, both educational and legal considerations must be examined. The author questions whether students should be evaluated on the time they endure in school or by their ability to know, understand, and apply course substance. (Author/IRT)

An innovative liability program provides protection to schools and generous financial assistance to catastrophically injured students. (MLF)

Reviews problems involved in disciplining disabled students with behavior problems as a result of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. The case of "Honig V. Doe" has reached the Supreme Court but may be declared moot. Urges school administrators to warn parents of disabled students that the police will be called if students…

The concept of comparable worth bases its legal claims in the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and a 1981 decision of the United States Supreme Court. Still, assertions that comparable worth should be invoked to correct wage discrimination have usually been rejected in federal courts. (PGD)

Reviews rationale for firing incompetent teachers and obstacles to dismissal. Citing 13 specific court decisions, discusses subcategories of successful dismissal cases involving insubordination and neglect of duty, unprofessional behavior, immorality, and inferior classroom performance. Mentions dismissal cases that foundered due to First…

In "Lynch v. Donnelly" (the Pawtucket, Rhode Island, creche decision), the United States Supreme Court has signaled its willingness to give greater latitude to government involvement in religious activity. (TE)

According to the American Tort Reform Association's (ATRA) survey of secondary school principals, concern about liability was cited for cutting back or terminating many activities. ATRA recommends some major legislative change including reform of the doctrine of joint and several liability, and placing limits on noneconomic and punitive damage…

A review of insurance changes in the commercial liability market during the past five years shows cost increases to stabilize the market. However, a vast expansion in potential liability means that costs will continue to be high even for self-insurance groups such as school districts. (MLF)

U.S. Supreme Court ruled last year that students who have been sexually harassed by teachers may recover money damages against school districts and administrators. Article suggests to avoid lawsuits, including establishing and announcing clear-cut policy, educating teachers to recognize sexual harassment behaviors, requiring student complaints to…

Reviews the debate over Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and how the legal and policy issues arising from the disease affect the schools. Reviews recent court decisions emphasizing the need for schools to adopt written policy for dealing with AIDS. Includes discussion of two court cases relating to school administration. (MD)

Reviews recent court decisions on copyright law and videotaping, as well as payment of private school tuition in special education student placement challenges. (MD)

Reflects on 18 years' worth of school law columns. Many of the author's predictions have proved accurate, such as forecasts that legislation to assist handicapped students would produce an unprecedented flood of litigation; that minimum competency testing would stand the tests of time and the courts; and that school districts should avoid…

A 15-item test in basic school law is intended for school principals. Provided are the correct answers and the key court cases on which the answers are based; and how 106 South Carolina principals scored on the test. (MLF)

Describes a Florida superintendent's harrowing experience after ignoring the governor's directive to defy a court order to begin forced student busing. The superintendent and the courts eventually triumphed by acting in the best interests of the students and the school system. The governor was fined and lost his bid for reelection. (MLH)