Harlan Cleveland's book concerning the benefits and costs of open governing board meetings is reviewed and critiqued, especially in its suggestions for modification of statutes in the cases of presidential searches and program and board evaluations. (MSE)

This third report in a series concerning restraints by government agencies on academic research concerns and recommends withdrawal of a recent presidential directive establishing a mechanism for controlling the release of classified information to the public through a system of prior review by government officials. (MSE)

Relates experiences of public library in dealing with request for circulation records of inmate residing in county jail. Library policy, law and the prosecutor, preparing defense for refusal to comply with request, public relations, consequences of court appeals, and making the decision to comply with subpoena are discussed. (9 refernces) (EJS)

Cautions against the publication of student evaluations of faculty unless several conditions are met. (HOD)

There is an assumption that high-school students are becoming more computer literate, but published studies of specific skill level are lacking. An anonymous multiple-choice survey self-assessed the ICT (information and communication technology) skills of first-year chemistry students at the beginning of 2002. The general level of ICT skill…

This paper examines what exactly an educational record is. The definition of educational record is central to how the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) are laid out. In order to gain FERPA protection, a document must be considered an educational record. To set context, the paper describes FERPA as an act stating…

This brochure, in a question-and-answer format, provides basic information about learning disabilities for faculty at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The questions address such topics as the definition of a learning disability, diagnostic criteria, documentation criteria, verifying the legitimacy of a student's request for…

Uses an example of a counseling session to illustrate the use of drawing as a counseling technique for nonverbal children. Suggests that drawing provides a less threatening atmosphere that allows children to communicate with a counselor and express feelings they may not want to face. (JAC)

The extension of Title VII to college faculty provided a mechanism for relief in cases where faculty were denied reappointment, promotion, or tenure for reasons unrelated to their job performance. The standards of review in Title VII cases and the court's role in academic Title VII cases are discussed. (MLW)

The issue of constraints on the publication of research results is discussed from the perspective of clashing values: free speech versus censorship in protection of national defense. The problems of secrecy as well as of disclosure are examined. Greater conflict between academe and military interests is foreseen. (MSE)

Arguments for and against disclosure of standardized test contents and answers, addressing issues of humanizing the testing process, equalizing educational opportunity, ensuring accountability, minimizing costs, ensuring fairness, and protecting test validity, are presented. (MSE)

The Supreme Court ruled that state statutes providing a former patient with access to medical records applies only to institutions receiving state legislative appropriations. The narrow focus of the case will allow challenges to the scope and validity of this ruling. (SF)

Summarizes legal issues that pertain to the uses of information technology on campuses. Highlights privacy, freedom of expression, and intellectual property rights. Argues that understanding these legal and ethical issues is necessary in developing an appropriate campus policy. Provides guidance for developing a campus technology policy. (RJM)

Investigated the effect of group counseling/therapy on self-disclosure in a close friendship of elementary school boys and girls. Results show girls were more forthcoming with self-disclosure sharing, and the sharing was more meaningful and private. Interestingly, only girls responded to intervention by increasing their ability to share meaningful…

Examined variations in "coming out" for gay, lesbian, and bisexual youths, specifically: the timing and sequence of developmental stages; completion of 10 milestone events involving self-awareness, sexual experiences, and disclosure to others; and immersion in social networks. Found comfort with sexual orientation was greatest in persons…