The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry estimates that about .05% of children have the brain disorder called obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Recognizing OCD and anxiety disorders and helping children get needed help is tremendously challenging for schools. Sidebars list publications and organizations. (MLH)

School districts need courage and board financial support to provide students with real emergency driving situations in a safe, controlled atmosphere. (Author)

States the need for a comprehensive sex education program at all levels of public schooling and suggests that implementation may be easier now than ever before. (DW)

Reviews the 1980 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines defining sexual harassment as a form of sex discrimination. Advises 11 steps, including creating clear-cut policies and guidelines to help school officials deal with the problem. Insets offer policy "pointers" and several recommendations for staff members desiring to counter…

Discusses federal cuts in immunization programs and the probable consequences. (WD)

Previous "School Law" columns discussed developments under Title IX (Educational Amendments of 1970), noting a trend among federal courts to apply Title IX's prohibition against sexual harassment to peer and employee-to-student sexual harassment. A recent Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision against the Santa Rosa City School District…

Many young people do not understand nor have they acquired the moral values and character traits they need to be good citizens. What is taught in moral education is the responsibility of the local school board. Answers six questions and provides information about the Center for the Advancement of Ethics and Character at Boston University. (MLF)

In a case involving an injured football player, an 11th Circuit judge viewed a coach's refusal to stop a fight as corporal punishment. Federal courts in five circuits have ruled that excessive corporal punishment violates the Due Process Clause if it is so brutal and harmful that it shocks the court's conscience. (MLH)

Listed as the nation's leading chronic health condition among children, asthma afflicts 5.3 million youngsters. About 5 to 10 percent of school children have asthma. Asthma management must be aggressive, involving students, teachers, and parents. An individualized treatment plan for each asthmatic student is essential. (MLH)

Halloween is becoming one of the most controversial days of the school year, due to parents' religious, educational, and safety concerns. Although Halloween celebrations do not violate the First Amendment's Establishment Clause, teachers should not use them as an occasion to teach about Druidism. Schools should have opt-out provisions and…

Baby Boom parents' high incomes and stratospheric expectations often combine to confound the most seasoned school administrators. These parents are criticized for shifting parental responsibility to schools and overstressing their children's academic achievement. For all their hyperactivity, many upscale parents do care and have considerable…

Parental kidnapping could lead to a lawsuit against the school or principal. After general building security, schools need to check on custody status, network with the courts, and convince both custodial and noncustodial parents that schools are on the children's side. A summary provides 14 steps to safeguard against parental kidnapping. (MLF)

Although the U.S. Supreme Court allows students to sue districts (under Title IX) over teacher-student harassment, federal courts have split over peer harassment. In "Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education" (1999), the Supreme Court ruled that students can sue districts for inadequate responses to reported peer sexual harassment. (MLH)

Nationwide, child-murder arrests are rising while suspects' ages are dropping. Self-centered behavior is rampant. Schools should explain character-education programs to parents, get everyone's commitment, acknowledge virtuous behavior, provide adequate staff development, seek moral lessons in every class, and distinguish moral debates from…

Schools can help in reducing the prevalence of eating disorders among young people by educating students, teachers, and other staff members; using community resources; and providing parents with the reassurance that help is available for the asking. A sidebar lists resources for more information on eating disorders. (MLF)