Communication through technology occupies an increasingly greater role in people's lives, whether by way of cell phones and other handheld communication devices, such as Blackberries and iPods, or Internet access using computers. Not surprisingly, students and young adults have devised unanticipated applications for technology that raise…

The adoption of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Education for All Handicapped Children's Act, now the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), have had a major impact on the delivery of services for children with special needs. In light of the legal issues surrounding the delivery of special education…

In the midst of growing controversy over the limits of student expression on the Internet, a federal trial court in Pennsylvania addressed the extent to which education officials can restrict the ability of student teachers and, by extension, teachers and other school employees, to exercise their rights to free speech on Internet social networking…

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires school districts to offer each student with disabilities a free and appropriate education (FAPE) in the least restricted environment. Circuit courts are split over FAPE damages. This article discusses cases where FAPE damages under IDEA have been denied and where they have been awarded. (MLH)

There has been little litigation since the Family Medical Leave Act's inception in 1993. This article highlights FMLA's scope of coverage, leave requirements, notice and verification, special rules for employees and local education agencies, employment and leave entitlements, and enforcement. Employers violating the FMLA may have to reinstate and…

In a Texas case, the U.S. Supreme Court recently affirmed that a policy allowing student-led, student-initiated prayer at high-school football games violated the Establishment Clause. Whatever districts do, school business officials and others responsible for safeguarding resources should pay attention to the school-prayer issue. (MLH)

Less than half the nation's gifted students are placed in appropriate educational settings. The Javits Gifted and Talented Students Act acknowledges the need for special programs for these children, but doesn't mandate their creation. The legal status of programs for the gifted contrasts sharply with those for children in special education. This…

Discusses the history of single-sex schools and analyzes the legal status of these schools, reviewing constitutional dimensions of gender-based discrimination and the leading cases that have been litigated on these issues. Offers reflections on why single-sex schools are not likely to hold a major place in the future of urban U.S. public schools.…

School officials should adopt no-tolerance policies that require educators' discretion in punishing misbehaving students (based on due process and fundamental fairness), rather than relying on the zero-tolerance approach, which fails to differentiate among different levels of offenses. Even disruptive students deserve due process and appropriate…

Reviews single-sex schools' history and legal status. Explores constitutional dimensions of gender-based discrimination delineated in five leading cases (in Philadelphia, New York City, Detroit, Mississippi, and Virginia). Due to claims of Equal Protection Clause and/or Title IX violations, such schools are unlikely to proliferate. (20 references)…

Examines the legal issues that may have impacts on charter schools. Considers the results of a study of the impact of charter school laws on urban schools (E. Rofes, 1998). Questions whether charter schools are public institutions and examines the key constitutional issues they face. Also reflects on labor issues and dealing with teachers' unions.…

In the postwar transitional phase, restoration of a comprehensive education system in Bosnia has been impeded by inadequate resources and capacity to repair and/or upgrade existing facilities, debate over curricular content, differing school management systems, and student displacement. Rebuilding must stress democratic, multicultural principles.…

Discusses the legal issues related to privatization. States with "charter" schools have not established guidelines for local school districts entering into privatization contracts for services. It is argued that public schools operate under state law, and therefore, vendors operating under state law become de facto public companies, making the…

The number of reported cases dealing with collective bargaining increased for the second consecutive year. While there was a significant amount of litigation, including one Supreme Court case, the courts relied on established precedents in deciding the many different issues confronting them. The review addresses the following topics at the K-12…