Problems with J. Frymier's conception of accountability are discussed, and recent evidence is summarized that shows the strong connection between school and teacher effectiveness measurements and student achievement. Policy issues and cautions in using teacher effectiveness measures in teacher accountability systems are considered. (SLD)

Because of the rise in litigation involving colleges and universities, basic information about liability insurance is provided. Administrators are warned that previously purchased liability insurance may not cover damages and losses incurred today, and that insurance companies often benefit from extended litigation. College counsel must understand…

University liability is in transition; its role changing from a parental/custodial "in loco parentis" model (and then a bystander role) to a new model of facilitator. The university enjoys a position of authority and respect, while exercising control more subtly than in the mid-1990s. At the same time, universities may be unable to claim the same…

The idealized nuclear family values of romantic love, maternalism, and domesticity are being supplanted by postmodernist sentiments such as consensual love, shared parenting, and urbanity. Today's "competent" kids are developing more stress-related problems. Schools can help families by placing students' and teachers' needs above…

With home schooling legal everywhere and many home-schoolers reaching high school age, state legislatures are considering whether and how to encourage "mix-and-match" schooling. In some areas, discussion centers on access to academic classes only. In others, attention is on eligibility to participate in sports or extracurricular…

Public college and university administrators are concerned about steady erosion of immunities and tort caps traditionally relied upon for protection against lawsuits. In this context, institutions must consider their protection in these areas: extension of protection to all employees; scope of employment; nongovernmental functions; foundations and…

The alcohol-related death of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) freshman has focused attention on problems in the institution's housing policies and fraternity system, including unclear policy about housing and long-ignored complaints about hazing and dangerous drinking in the Greek system. (MSE)

Schools desiring to help students with divorce transition should encourage both parents to attend parent-teacher conferences and establish a set of policies and procedures mindful of parents' separate residences. Schools need to consider both parents and recognize that kids in the middle are dealing with difficult challenges that may make…

Many urban schools should be called cafeterias, recreation centers, or community centers, because more time is spent eating, playing, and socializing than on teaching and learning. "Schools" are day camps with compliant attendees or custodial centers with involuntarily managed inmates. Teacher effectiveness turns solely on classroom-management…

This brief article notes a trend toward more reactive school administration practices in response to increased regulatory requirements and identifies problems encountered by special education administrators contributing to this reactive approach. It reports on one school district's proactive development of a "Unified Support Services Process and…

The distinguishing feature of today's youth is not technology, but aloneness. To reconnect with young people, educators should close the gap between school offerings and solitary net-surfing activities by offering computer gaming courses and guidance on approaching violent Internet imagery. Adult and youth cultures are interdependent. (Contains 11…

American society's concern with the necessity of teaching the importance of good character and ethical/moral decision-making in school is growing. However, many concerned parties fail to recognize that the school--and even the most dedicated teacher--will not be able to teach ethical decision making in a vacuum. Despite this reality, it is…

The Secretary of Education's Commission on the Future of Higher Education and the subsequent review of federal regulations dealing with accreditation by the U.S. Department of Education have energized a national dialogue on fundamental issues concerning student learning, quality assurance, educational effectiveness, and transfer of credit. We…

As governors confront the worst state fiscal environment in the past 25 years, long-term prospects for strong economic growth are hampered by an immense underlying problem: the high school dropout crisis. At least one student in five drops out of school, and nearly 5 million 18- to 24-year-olds lack a high school diploma. Annually, dropouts cost…

Some of the issues surrounding school productivity are discussed in this ERIC digest. It presents the results of early research that explored whether there is a relationship between educational funding and student outcomes. Some of the reasons behind schools' productivity problems are presented, including problems with unstable governance and the…