Schools can better meet the needs of single-parent families in the following ways: (1) acknowledge the diversity of single-parent families; (2) avoid assumptions about single-parent families; (3) provide educators with information about differing family structures; and (4) facilitate the connection between single parents and schools. (11…

As a result of its activities, values, and assumptions, higher education has become deeply implicated in the environmental dilemmas of our time. Colleges and universities need to act more responsibly, re-forming an education that is more appropriate to a threatened ecology, before they can teach an ethic of responsibility. (Author/MSE)

An institution's educators legal liability policy can provide very broad or limited protection to a college and employees. The college or university's insurance buyer or risk manager must understand the terms and conditions of the policies available and evaluate their specific application to the institution, giving coverage as much weight as costs…

College trustees must inform themselves about campus policies related to sexual offenses and sex discrimination as well as relevant federal and state laws, work to improve those policies, require appropriate campus education programs, and ensure that the rights of both the accused and accuser are protected. Examples of policy formation activities…

Openness and accessibility were once the hallmarks of U.S. public schools. Civic and governmental agencies held meetings in the schools, and families and community groups came together at schools their children attended. Now that 75 percent of all taxpayers have no children in school, it is essential that school districts stop overprotecting…

Increased parent involvement means better financial support for public schools. Parent involvement at the secondary level is most effective when teachers feel comfortable working with parents; parent convenience is considered; school-parent communication is frequent and positive; programs build self-esteem and feature social and educational…

The press and the public criticize schools for all our youngster's ills but are overlooking parental responsibilities. Instead of pushing for vouchers and other potentially damaging "quick fixes," parents should insist that homework is done, that teachers are respected and obeyed, and that school is attended daily, while accepting some…

An American Association of University Women study indicates that 85% of girls and 76% of boys in grades 8-11 have experienced some form of sexual harassment. Recent court decisions underline schools' responsibility for ensuring a safe school environment. Administrators should act to eliminate sexual harassment, educate students, involve parents,…

At an October 1989 press conference, a group of 16 educational and religious groups issued a proposal to help school authorities deal with religious holidays. The coalition encouraged administrators to approach these holidays from an academic perspective and to avoid any promotion of beliefs or devotions. Religious music may be studied and sung to…

Although adolescents face many potentially life-threatening choices, schools are ill equipped to offer comprehensive guidance for developing personal survival skills. This article outlines four conditions militating against schools' acceptance of this role, advocates collaboration between schools and community-based youth organizations, and…

To help personalize schooling for adolescents and provide the nurturing environment often lacking at home, teachers at a Bowie, Maryland, middle school began a mentoring project focusing on social exchange, sense of belonging, symbolic interaction, life skills enrichment, self-image, self-efficacy, resource development, and role models. Students…

The American Association of University Professors' (AAUP) new policy authorizing sanctions against colleges when investigation discloses serious departures from accepted governance norms is examined. Issues discussed include the existence and general relevance of governance norms, evidence of violation of those standards, and the AAUP's right to…

Recent statistics underscore fact that bigotry, bias, and racism are problems schools should not ignore. Racial conflict is becoming problem in suburban and rural secondary schools. Young people are most likely perpetrators of hate crimes. First step toward changing trend is no-nonsense school policy backed up by student training in recognizing…

Although educators are becoming familiar with fetal drug exposure, few realize how early alcohol exposure can cripple children's physical, social, academic development. Unlike some drug-affected kids, alcohol-exposed children seldom outgrow symptoms such as impaired IQ, impulsiveness, erratic sleeping patterns. Schools must identify and refer…

Parental kidnapping could lead to a lawsuit against the school or principal. After general building security, schools need to check on custody status, network with the courts, and convince both custodial and noncustodial parents that schools are on the children's side. A summary provides 14 steps to safeguard against parental kidnapping. (MLF)