The challenges posed to the Cooperative Extension Service (CES), affiliated with land-grant universities, by the legal liabilities of their activities are examined. The Wyoming CES is used as an example. CES structure and authority are examined, and use of traditional risk-management techniques to limit liability is explored. (Author/MSE)

A woman associate professor denied tenure by male colleagues sued and won in federal court, claiming sex discrimination in assessment of her scholarship. She is being reimbursed by the university for costs of her extensive publicity campaign. University failure to file a required affirmative-action plan was also found. (MSE)

Phi Delta Kappa study collected data on over 21,000 students in grades 4, 7, and 10 in 275 schools in over 80 U.S. communities. Five risk factors emerged: personal pain, academic failure, family socioeconomic status, family instability, and family tragedy. Many teachers helped considerably with personal pain and academic failure problems,…

Summarizes findings from a 15-month study of 6 schools and principals changing to a decentralized school governance model. Highlights benefits such as administrator role redefinition, autonomy's effects on improving school culture and contributing to school reform success, increased commitment to decisions, increased staff cohesion and trust, and…

Innovative school-age day care programs include Tennessee's Extended School Program; Hawaii's After-School Plus program; San Antonio's Kid's Involvement Network (offering middle school supervision); Aurora, Colorado's state-licensed Year-Round School Recreation Plan; and Pomona, California's Child Development Program. These public school programs…

Carleton and Saint Olaf Colleges (Minnesota) combined their food purchasing power to support area farmers and bring about the use of less chemical- and energy-intensive agriculture. The initiative was designed by students to encourage a sustainable agricultural economy. It has involved other colleges through a regional conference. (Author/MSE)

Shows how children are affected by homelessness, how school personnel can help alleviate major stresses (constant moving, frequent change of schools, overcrowded living conditions, and lack of access to basic resources), and how Massachusetts and other state departments of education are preparing school personnel to serve homeless kids. Educators…

It is argued that the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act builds on the accessibility requirements and efforts of the last decade and therefore may be less overwhelming to comply with than colleges and universities think. Specific implications for public institutions, private institutions, and employment practices are outlined. (Author/MSE)

Four experienced college alumni volunteers offer information and opinions on how and why they became volunteers, how they serve, amount of time spent volunteering, what the alumni office does that is most helpful, how to keep volunteers from feeling overburdened, how to reward volunteers, and working with a spouse. (MSE)

A discussion of college liability for its students' injuries during participation in community service projects includes an overview of relevant law, concerns about waivers of liability, the role of insurance, and practical administrative tips for assessing and decreasing liability. (MSE)

To fight against child sexual abuse, many school districts are offering personnel training sessions, developing and circulating policies and procedures, and showing students how to avoid becoming victims of sexual abuse. Cites what to do when the abuser is a school employee, where to get help, and how to keep tabs on abusers through the Educator…

Discusses the centralization and decentralization of decision making about computer use in elementary and secondary schools based on results of a 1989 national survey. Results unexpectedly indicate that more successful programs are the result of districtwide planning than individual teacher or school-level decision making. (LRW)

Transporting infants, toddlers, and preschool children with disabilities to provide early intervention services is part of this nation's commitment to young children. Explains relevant federal statutes; lists acronyms and public laws affecting school transportation; and summarizes training issues to provide safe transportation for this diverse…

Court decisions in suits by student victims against the school district employers and superiors of student molesters present a confusing mix of tort liability theories and court reactions. Examines case development under civil rights statutes; reports on the latest Supreme Court decision under Title IX; and comments on the cumulative effect of…

Ruling in "Franklin," the Supreme Court found in favor of a high school student who alleged that she had been subjected to sexual harassment in violation of Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. Inquires about the nature and scope of damages available under Title IX. Concludes with policy considerations for administrators. (MLF)