An attorney provides answers to frequently asked questions about the application of copyright law to the work of institutional research, including hard copy and electronic publishing, and its dissemination. Institutional researchers are treated as workers for hire, and the employer or institution is deemed the author and copyright holder;…

In light of the discipline provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act emphasizing functional assessments and positive behavioral interventions as well as new responsibilities for the Individualized Education Program team, this article discusses the problems that school divisions are encountering when implementing these…

A discussion of the controversial proposed National Institutes of Health/Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration guidelines for policies on conflict of interest are assessed in relation to the University of California's experience with research policies and peer review practice in regulating potential conflict-of-interest situations.…

An attorney who has served both plaintiffs and defendants in court cases involving higher education institutions suggests several basic principles for institutional researchers in coping with a complex litigious environment: stay informed about major legal developments; consult your institution's attorney, and be proactive in the consultation; do…

A discussion of misconduct in scientific research looks at the roles of several segments of the scientific community (federal government, universities, scholarly journals, and individual scientists) in exercising control of misconduct. Limitations of their roles and overall implications for policy are examined. (MSE)

Origins of the University of California's procedures for systematic review of principal investigators' financial disclosures prior to acceptance of grants, and the manner in which they are working at present, are examined. The disclosure requirements, faculty committee, criteria, and disclosures made during 1988 are described. Two case studies are…

Summarizes and compares Public Health Service rules and National Science Foundation policy concerning conflict of interest in research projects, and describes how large research universities have implemented them and developed appropriate conforming documents for disclosure and reporting purposes. Also discusses institutional considerations and…

The evolution of research misconduct policies in universities is traced since the late 1970s. It is argued that research universities have been slow to accept responsibility for research misconduct, and they are urged to examine their research environments and place more emphasis on research ethics education. (MSE)

A draft code of ethics for college and university institutional researchers and related activities, prepared by the Committee on Standards and Ethics of the Association for Institutional Research, is presented. It addresses issues of individual training and competence, responsibility, confidentiality, relationships within institution and…

Characteristics of schools that have succeeded in becoming unusually effective for all students include the following: (1) insistence that all participants take responsibility for improvement; (2) persistence in seeking to attain high standards; (3) resiliency in moving forward despite obstacles and discouragements; and (4) consistency in…

In the U.S. Congress, attention to scientific fraud and misconduct has involved extensive use of oversight authority. Because scientists and universities have failed to respond promptly to calls for self-regulation, Congress has imposed formal regulations and favors increased scrutiny of research and a reassessment of university-government-science…

The Boston Compact, signed in September 1982, is a formal agreement between the Boston School Department and members of the business community to collaborate in making new educational and employment opportunities available to the city's high school students. Co-signers agreed to the following: (1) assist in developing private sector initiatives in…

The draft code of ethics prepared by the Committee on Standards and Ethics of the Association for Institutional Research is reviewed by section, with commentary on the precepts involved and the code's provisions for individual training and competence, responsibility, confidentiality, relationships within institution and community, and conduct…

Institutional researchers should know state and federal laws and attorneys general opinions applicable to higher education concerning open meetings and open records, and be prepared for information requests by media and concerned citizens. Case law is examined, and practical steps researchers can take are outlined, including knowing who will…

Analyzes data collected from 121 primary education teachers concerning methods of teaching reading. Discovers that the majority of teachers employ a wide range of reading and writing activities. While most schools maintain a devoted commitment to reading instruction, a lack of consistency suggests a more comprehensive policy. (MJP)