From a safety point of view, there is a need to ensure that science teachers are appropriately qualified to teach their subject. Opportunities for accidents in school laboratories are legion and acquisition of skills and competence to obviate them is essential. (Author/RE)

In recent years, public school students have been searched with metal detectors and occasionally sniffed by dogs or strip searched. Their lockers and bookbags have been searched, and their urine has been tested for drugs--all in the name of school safety. This article explores the legal ramifications of such searches and calls for a critical…

Discusses the importance of laboratory safety in science classrooms. Urges middle school teachers to address class size in an effort to establish and maintain a safe working environment. Answers a teacher's question related to having newts and salamanders in the classroom. (SOE)

Compared the bullying behaviors of high school students in four Texas and Nebraska schools. Survey data indicated that nearly one-third of girls and one-fifth of boys observed bullying often. The most common kind of bullying was hurtful teasing and name-calling. Boys bullied using more physical violence, while girls reported less. Both genders…

This study of perceived social support and weapon possession surveyed 461 students in an urban middle school. Students who reported carrying weapons to school reported less overall or total perceived social support (from peers, parents, teachers, classmates, and school) than did their peers who did not carry weapons. Perceived social support was a…

Interviewed officials from rural, urban, and suburban middle and high schools, as well as police and other juvenile justice officials, about interagency communication and interaction patterns in response to school crime. Findings revealed considerable interagency collaboration in the rural community, some communication in the suburban area, and…

Describes a schoolwide conflict mediation program that takes positive steps to reduce school violence and teach students respect and responsibility. (GCP)

Described is a procedure by which the performance of chemical hoods can be tested. This procedure uses a mixture of dry ice and water to create a "smoke" for use in the test. Implications for sash design, performance evaluations and testing under standard and nonstandard conditions are discussed. (CW)

This article discusses the involvement of the National PTA in bringing about comprehensive school health programs in three areas: health education, health services, and school safety. A synopsis is included of selected resolutions related to school health issues that have been adopted by the National PTA. (IAH)

Discusses the relative danger from toxicity of some typical chemicals. Notes that some materials in solutions have low toxicity, but in dust form have high toxicity. Suggests that more chemical compounds should be treated as the dangerous compounds they are. Lists common compounds found in the lab. (MVL)

As administrators contemplate installing metal detectors, different legal issues must be considered. Five lessons learned from past litigation are listed to aid administrators in their decision. A sample policy outline concerning weapons and metal detectors is provided. (KDP)

Early childhood center directors need to be aware of young children's susceptibilities to environmental hazards and do what they can to eliminate or mitigate environmental and safety problems in and around centers. Directors should use common sense, know composition of products used in the center, watch for and eliminate hazards regularly, and ask…

Contends that no issue has captured more forcefully the attention of the public than the increasing presence of weapons on school campuses. Discusses prevention and intervention strategies that show promise in stemming this national crisis. Includes a chart with both long- and short-term strategies for teachers and administrators. (CFR)

Peaceful, systemic, educational reform may be achieved by clearly articulating and responding to differences of opinion in four conflict areas: safe passage for traditionalist Christian students, opt-in policies for controversial course materials, parents' rights, and child-centered curricula. Authentic assessment based on community values…

Examines 71 of the 605 licensed child care centers in Atlanta for playground hazards and school accidents. Finds 684 hazards in 66 centers, including climbing equipment over 6 feet high with inadequate impact-absorbing undersurfacing that had over twice the rate of fall injuries as climbing equipment under 6 feet high. (FMW)