In "Hosford," a teacher led a discussion with 3 13-year-old boys in a special-needs class about words with multiple meanings that included obscene ones. The teacher's contract was not renewed. The Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled in the teacher's favor and declared that primary and secondary school teachers have enough academic freedom…

In "Boring v Buncombe County Board of Education," a high school teacher sued a school board over her transfer to a middle school. At issue is a board's power to control the curriculum and a teacher's right to academic freedom, specifically selecting a controversial play for four students in advanced acting class. (MLF)

Although the executive secretary of the Alabama Education Association is expected to announce his candidacy for governor, scant evidence exists that, in either state of federal government, teachers-turned-politicians act as a monolithic force on behalf of education issues. (MLF)

Interview highlights with board members who are also teachers indicate that, although teachers are demanding a greater say in school operations, they are not necessarily using access to school board seats to attain it. (MLF)

A century ago, school children celebrated Columbus Day with recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Educators should understand the origins of the pledge and know that the Constitution protects the rights of those who object to the pledge for personal, political, or religious reasons. Lists four versions of the pledge since the nineteenth century.…

In "Boring vs. Buncombe County Board of Education," the 4th U.S. Circuit Court reversed decision involving a school board's control over curriculum in a North Carolina high school. Controversy was over a play chosen for an advanced acting class that had been approved by principal. Decision says public school teachers have absolutely no right of…

The European invasion five centuries ago exposed a large portion of the globe to the influence of a dynamic civilization that did much to make the modern world what it is. A Harvard history professor considers seven questions for a multicultural exploration of the Columbian Quincentenary. (MLF)

Negotiations through problem solving succeeds because everyone participates and feels good about the process and the product. Lists a step-by-step approach along with tips for arriving at resolutions if the talks falter. (MLF)

The Education Commission of the States along with the Center for School Change at the University of Minnesota surveyed 110 charter schools, more than two-thirds of the schools approved in 7 states. Charter school officials advise others interested in opening their own school to establish a clear vision, mission, and philosophy, and to devote…

This district created a team of four administrators to replace the district superintendent while a search was conducted for a successor. (IRT)

Whittle Communication's specialty is publishing magazines distributed free to a place where a specific audience will read them. Other firms distribute similar advertising products to schools. (MLF)

Five school districts in the Detroit, Michigan, metropolitan area have joined forces to offer a shared high school program, the Center for Advanced Studies and the Arts, that offers advanced classes and other specialized programs that are not available at students' home schools. (MLF)

Officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have been offering schools more fresh fruits and vegetables through the commodities program. Despite problems in delivering perishable food in good condition, food directors are supporting the program. However, two new free-trade agreements and the Republican-led Congress may change the…

Three factors explain the current opposition to multicultural education: (1) a reaction to the views of those who follow a doctrine of particularism that encourages children to seek their primary identity in the cultures of their ancestors; (2) a misunderstanding of the nature of culture itself; and (3) the fact that society's tolerance does not…