At this year's National Association of Secondary School Principals convention, participants agreed that schools should address social problems but voted against national competency testing and school choice. At the National Association of Elementary School Principals convention, principals expressed various administrative concerns, but most…

Teaching ethical values is often challenged as an infringement on students' religious rights. This article addresses key questions concerning schools' legal responsibilities, courts' treatment of curriculum-related challenges based on alleged First Amendment violations, and courts' handling of teacher proselytizing or "opting out" cases.…

After undertaking a study of values education and ethical behavior in fall 1982, the Baltimore County (Maryland) Public Schools formed committees involving more than 2,000 people. Innovative projects involving computer ethics, coaches as role models, academic honesty, and "culture nights" to celebrate the community's ethnic backgrounds…

Examines the codes of ethics of three major education associations (the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Education Association, and the American Association of School Administrators) and their usefulness in developing a school-specific code. The codes' language reveals how these organizations think about students,…

Although the U.S. Supreme Court allows students to sue districts (under Title IX) over teacher-student harassment, federal courts have split over peer harassment. In "Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education" (1999), the Supreme Court ruled that students can sue districts for inadequate responses to reported peer sexual harassment. (MLH)

A total of 20 judges ruled on a 1994 sexual-harassment case including 5 U.S. Supreme Court justices, who decided in a middle- schooler's favor. School districts are liable for violations of Title IX when they knowingly ignore blatant, pervasive abuse that limits a student's educational access. (Contains 28 references.) (MLH)

Nationwide, child-murder arrests are rising while suspects' ages are dropping. Self-centered behavior is rampant. Schools should explain character-education programs to parents, get everyone's commitment, acknowledge virtuous behavior, provide adequate staff development, seek moral lessons in every class, and distinguish moral debates from…

Discusses a Texas sexual harassment case (Gebser v Lago Vista Independent School District involving a high-school English teacher and an eighth grader. Lower and federal courts favored the school district as to liability claims. In June 1998, the U.S. Supreme Court voted to adopt the actual notice standard, affirming dismissal of the plaintiff's…

Explores schools' potential function as sanctuaries for immigrant families. Describes Grupo de Padres, a group formed by Latino immigrant families in an elementary school located in a low-income, migrational point-of-entry neighborhood. Interviews disclosed key physical and social components for a safe environment and the need for meaningful…

Schools can help in reducing the prevalence of eating disorders among young people by educating students, teachers, and other staff members; using community resources; and providing parents with the reassurance that help is available for the asking. A sidebar lists resources for more information on eating disorders. (MLF)

Before selecting an architect, a school district should formulate clear expectations regarding the extent of the architect's services and responsibilities. One standard contract often proposed by architects is a document developed by the American Institute of Architects. Points out the shortcomings of this contract to a school district's interests…

Describes how schools can help children cope with issues related to divorce, explaining the importance of reaching out to children and families of divorce. The entire school environment can become more open to the needs of such children by de- stigmatizing, de-mystifying, and discussing the issue. A sidebar presents resources that provide…

This article provides an overview of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders and students with disabilities. Current interpretations of DNR orders from several states are presented. It is concluded that there is not clear agreement among states as to the procedures or persons responsible for addressing DNR concerns for students in school. (Contains…

Identifies elements that (British) courts consider in school or teacher negligence cases. Reviews significant case law establishing liability of schools and teachers for harm sustained by pupils and children's personal liability for careless acts leading to personal harm. Discusses implications of a recent child negligence case. (Contains 14…

While recognition of the need to involve parents in the life of the school grows in public policy, anxiety continues at the intervention of 'the angry parent'. This paper seeks to develop understanding of this communicative action and apply it to a study of parental voice in schools that identified a number of expressions of 'storming'. The paper…