A balance must be maintained between what students want and what they should receive in educational institutions. If teachers forget that they possess more knowledge of teaching than the lay public, especially politicians, or downplay their own importance in education, they abrogate their professionalism and weaken their ability to contend with…

In the family support movement, three themes are central: providing success for all children, serving the whole child, and sharing responsibility. The Institute for Responsive Education used these themes to develop a national project (Schools Reaching Out) designed to redefine and expand parent involvement as part of urban school reform. Includes…

In a major victory for civil rights groups, a federal appeals court has revived the lawsuit that forced the Education Department to monitor the desegregation of public colleges in 18 southern and border states, claiming the groups bringing the suit still had the legal standing to pursue it. (MSE)

A discussion of the economic impact on employers of wrongful discharge litigation by former employees addresses the types of damages a plaintiff may receive, remedies, deductions from front pay, reinstatement, punitive and exemplary damages, injury to professional reputation, constructive discharge, and attorney's fees. (MSE)

Albion College established a study team of board members, faculty, and students on both sides of the South Africa divestment question to educate the campus community and determine institutional policy. After a year of study, the team decided to invest in South Africa rather than withdraw resources and reduce influence. (MSE)

An investigation into the integration of child with moderate learning difficulties in secondary schools in four Welsh counties found that two authorities had effectively mainstreamed considerable numbers of children, while others showed lack of clear policy statements, lack of planning, and less than full commitment to integration. (JDD)

The Supreme Court decision in Martin vs. Wilks gives employees dissatisfied with affirmative action hiring plans the right to mount legal challenges to them years after adoption, even if employees did not challenge the plans originally. Some say the plans are vulnerable to new legal challenges, while others say they are not. (MSE)

The debate over whether patents should be granted to the first applicant to file, advocated by some industrialists, or to the applicant who first invented is examined. Relevant patent priority laws are outlined, arguments on both sides are presented, the arguments are related to universities, and ways in which university concerns can be met and…

Although educational leaders occasionally develop instructional technology plans, many plans omit financial provisions for continuing costs, including the ongoing repair and eventual replacement of instructional computers. Computer costs are not allocated clearly to their functions: productivity and curriculum delivery. Computers are not…

The Family and Medical Leave Act (1993) allows employees time off to care for themselves and others. The FMLA and its enforcement guidelines attempt to balance teachers' need for flexibility in handling family issues and students' need for instructional quality and continuity. Schools need written policies and legal counsel. Special rules and…

Legal protections for individuals with learning disabilities are considered through a review of the qualification requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Differences between IDEA and Section 504 are examined, along with decisions from…

Many adolescents are turned off by school. High achievers often feel like social outcasts, while underachieving scoffers deny themselves crucial years of education. There is no learning disability apart from attitude. Schools must consider kids' individual needs and problems, make learning interesting, help kids become successful, and provide…

Schools should adopt a character-based approach to sex education and teach students about respect, responsibility, and self-discipline. (MLF)

The National Association of Elementary School Principals has developed standards designed to help schools and school districts meet their obligations to parents of young children. Four of the group's recommendations are offered. (DG)

In a recent survey, experienced teacher-researchers stated that their research brought them many personal and professional benefits, including increased collegiality, a sense of empowerment, and increased self-esteem. However, most stated their research role was not permanent, because of lack of administrative and district support. A sidebar…