Lawyers are needed by schools for many more purposes than merely to execute legal documents. This set of notes for a conference presentation considers lawyers' roles in advising on the legal issues involved in the following: (1) business transactions typically encountered by schools (state contract review, state lease, pool lease, nonprofit…

This portion of the "Federal Register" states the proposed requirements of section 438 of the General Education Provisions Act. This section deals with the privacy rights of parents and students. The statute provides parents of students with access to official records directly related to the students and with an opportunity for a hearing…

This report reviews the history of research using students as subjects in public schools and the legal responsibilities involved in the approval and supervision of such research. The report concludes that schools should rigorously scrutinize research requests and regulate approved projects. (MD)

The proceedings of a 1985 House of Representatives hearing to amend Section 615 of the Education of the Handicapped Act are presented. The hearing focused on questions of paying for attorneys fees in special education due process decisions. Statements are presented by representatives of policy makers, parents, and professional associations…

Outlines the history of the concept of "in loco parentis" and the relationship between college students and their institutions. During the 1960's the concept was no longer evident at the college level, but in the 1980's court trends are beginning to show a rebirth (with revisions) of the doctrine. Includes discussion of court litigation.…

In response to original articles by Friedman and Sugarman in volume 17, "Journal of Law & Education" (1988), this article argues that increased disclosure of student assignment decisions compelled by law would be an unreasonable burden on schools and would be dismissed by the courts. (MLF)

Contends that if the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) provision of special services in parochial schools is struck down, the value system implicit in EHA that gives cognizance to parental placement of children in private schools will have been eviscerated. (MLF)

Outlines important considerations in maintaining legal relationships between the school, pupils, and third parties (including parents). Defines "child" and "parent." Discusses the impact on school personnel of the complex variety of persons and institutions that may claim rights and privileges as "parent" with regard…

This paper describes and justifies The Schools Reaching Out Project on the basis of research proving that urban families and communities that build stronger connections to the schools are linked to healthy child development, the academic and social success of children in school, better teaching, cost savings and improved educational services and…

Parents gained more clout in the "Robinson v. Pinderhughes" court ruling. Baltimore schools' lack of compliance with the Education for All Handicapped Children Act illustrates that, if not offered by a state, educators should encourage legislators to enact a remedy enforcing decisions about disabled students' placement. (CJH)

Increasing numbers of parents do not accept a school's discipline policy and are refusing to permit their children to comply with disciplinary sanctions. According to the California Education Code, educators have the right to expect parents to accept disciplinary decisions made in compliance with required procedures. Parental defiance might worsen…

Research reveals that parental involvement in their children's education improves attendance, increases academic achievement, improves student behavior and study habits, and generates positive attitudes toward schools. The demands of work and family can act as barriers to involvement. Some parents are discouraged by a fear of incompetence and…

This book explores parents' legal rights concerning their children's elementary and secondary education. Besides certain constitutional rights (including parents' right to direct their children's education), parents and students have been granted various rights under state and federal statutes. This book aims to demystify the law and provide…

Provides guidelines and suggestions for schools faced with legal problems associated with children from nontraditional families. Sections are included on children with changed surnames, access to school records for noncustodial parents, policy conflicts between spouses over children's schooling, and attempts by noncustodial parents to remove…

This hearing reviewed the Title I Grants to LEAs [local education agencies] (Title I) Program of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Title I is the largest federal education program for elementary and secondary schools. Since 1965, it has made nearly $133 billion available to states and school districts to improve the opportunity for a…