The Iowa Board of Regents requires faculty to present a disclaimer when classroom instructional materials include sexually explicit content and allow students to complete alternative assignments. Some feel the policy strikes a healthy balance between academic freedom and student choice; others see it as giving students undue authority. (MSE)

Asserts that, among trends in higher education, none is more debated than the place of general education and the use of the core curriculum as an antidote to specialized education. Argues that psychology can be effectively presented to undergraduates in an interdisciplinary core curriculum. (CFR)

Petty teasing, joking, and bullying at school can have devastating effects on students, leading to violent and disastrous consequences for both perpetrators and victims. The article makes suggestions for how educators can take a proactive stance to prevent a climate that allows bullying and harassment to flourish. (SM)

Analyzes the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's decision in "McDuffy" and places it in the context of other state court decisions that have declared public school finance schemes unconstitutional. "McDuffy" requires the state legislature to provide additional money for poor school districts and strive to achieve a high…

Whether governmental funding of academic research entitles the government to impose secrecy conditions on research results is discussed. It is proposed that, although some restraints may be legitimate exercises of government discretion in spending public funds, there may be a limit to those restrictions, based on the recipient's constitutional…

Asserts that, for citizens in a democracy to understand and act upon complex societal issues, they must be able to integrate knowledge from a variety of subjects. Traces the history of interdisciplinary social studies education and examines arguments of its supporters and detractors. (CFR)

Teacher education must produce teachers who can ensure that schooling generates future good citizens. The paper examines regional and national reform, the civic foundations of education, and the need for dedicated, well-trained people to enter public service committed to public good. A description of CIVITAS, a citizenship project, is included.…

Based on an educational consultant's experience with a Pacific Telesis Foundation school restructuring program, this article shows the importance of time and culture. Restructuring means formally rearranging time usage to allow schools to create and sustain an interactive culture and supporting infrastructure for improving student learning. To…

Developments in telecommunications are encouraging many educational institutions to examine the potential of distance instruction as a means of reaching larger audiences separated by distance. One unforeseen problem in distance education may be possible copyright violations. This article addresses some of these concerns and suggests strategies for…

Presents steps for creating copyright policies: appoint an officer; arrange access to a lawyer; understand copyright principles; know how copyright applies to Internet and CD-ROMs; understand permissions procedures; collect reference materials; use Internet information; understand international law; stay updated; attend seminars; educate others;…

Describes an experiment with class meetings, designed to offer students practice in the democratic process, in a mixed-age, upper elementary, Montessori classroom. Finds that the group setting allowed students to address goals for classroom conduct and to learn ethics by example. Notes problems with tolerance for minority positions within the…

Discusses the impact of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Article 2B, dealing with licenses of information and software contracts, on information professionals. Mass market licenses, copyrights, standard form contracts, and impact on first sale are examined. A sidebar lists key World Wide Web sites and includes a sample letter of concern. (LRW)

Programs that educate students about their local community's history and ecology, and enable student interaction with the community through service and experiential learning are helpful to high-risk students, promote socially responsible citizenship, instill a sense of place, and can develop local funding and resources. Gives examples of local…

Defines and discusses alternatives to traditional public schooling, including private and home schools, contract schools, charter schools, and school-based finance systems. Implications for principals are reflected in a drive for more rigorous state tests and standards and the growing use of technology, which stresses independent study. Charter…

Argues that the act of worship can become an act of resistance against the hegemony of a dominant culture. Maintains that congregational life offers the possibility to awaken people's discontent, foster skepticism toward prevailing assumptions, articulate ethical alternatives, and develop readiness for struggle and change. (MJP)