Although the problem identified drugs as the biggest problem facing toady's schools in the 1986 Gallup Poll Survey on education, only 16% of parents listed drugs. This handbook presents an action plan to overcome the denial of the drug problem in schools and a sets forth a comprehensive program to eliminate alcohol and other drugs from schools. In…

The school's responsibility to provide a safe learning environment for students is examined in this paper. Failure to take preventative measures may result in loss of government tort immunity and charges of negligence liability. A review of case law indicates a trend toward successful litigation by plaintiffs against school districts--a decline in…

The purpose of this manual is to assist school officials by providing information on the effects of lead in school drinking water on children, how to detect the presence of lead, how to reduce the lead, and how to provide training for sampling and remedial programs. A protocol is provided for procedures to determine the location and source of lead…

Every community in this nation wants safe, orderly school campuses, but we remain far from reaching that objective. Crime and safety issues continue to plague America's schools and to interfere with the education of our children. This document provides a framework for school improvement that specifically addresses crime and safety. Chapter 1, "The…

Radon-222 is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally in soil, rocks, underground water, and air. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other scientific organizations have identified an increased risk of lung cancer associated with exposure to elevated levels of radon in homes. Schools in many…

This collection of teaching materials will help teachers make pupils aware of the need to avoid and prevent situations which might result in fires and to master some simple life-saving techniques to protect themselves and others. The handbook contains information sheets, charts, pictures, diagrams, and suggestions for lessons and activities. Topic…

This bibliography was compiled as a response to the requests for information on asbestos in schools. The citations are organized by format and include: (1) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports (annotated); (2) books; (3) articles, proceedings and other reports (annotated); and (4) federal regulations and statutes (annotated). The…

This chapter reviews court cases and makes recommendations in light of the rising incidence of campus crimes and increased third-party litigation. There is greater awareness of gang and acquaintance rapes and a general increase in rapes, assaults, and murders. To secure compensation, women are also suing the institution on whose campus the assaut…

Asbestos, a mineral known to cause cancer in humans, is present in an unknown number of schools where it may be hazardous to the health of students and employees. Although the Federal Government has programs designed to address the asbestos situation, it has not determined in what specific circumstances asbestos is a hazard. Therefore, State and…

Given the increasing number and the complexity of the problems facing a school principal today, it is imperative that he be given all the help possible to aid him in making wise decisions. The application of the renewal process, as described in this document, provides the principal with shared problem solving and decision making machinery. This…

This document provides teachers with sources of information about the nature, hazards, detection, and control of asbestos. Because many school buildings include asbestos-containing materials, teachers and other school personnel must be aware of the potential dangers to students and to themselves and take steps to have asbestos hazards contained or…

This pamphlet contains a set of guidelines for community leaders interested in developing preparedness plans for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. Included in the guide is a list of the types of officials and agencies which should be involved in planning meetings. A set of suggestions for developing a community communications network and…

One of a series of documents on design of disaster-resistant buildings, this publication treats construction of rural primary schools to resist destruction by wind and water from cyclones. Also appropriate for other buildings, material is aimed at rural primary schools because they are less likely to be professionally designed or supervised; the…

A recommendation of certain desirable standards and provisions for school structures, this guide cites basic requirements for safe and stable design and the uses of materials in construction. It also serves as an aid in the equipping, maintaining, using and occupying of all school buildings. Site sizes and location factors are included. Classroom…

This booklet is intended to aid local school superintendents and other school administrators in preparing comprehensive contingency plans to meet various emergency situations. Although it was developed by the State of New Jersey Department of Education, most of the booklet is equally applicable to schools in other states as well. It is organized…