Unlike most school-security strategies, search and seizure procedures can be largely determined by studying landmark court cases. The U.S. Supreme Court set standards for conducting school searches in "New Jersey v. T.L.O." (1985) and for drug testing student athletes in "Vernonia School District v. Acton" (1995). School…

Colleges and universities may be held legally responsible for some of the crime occurring on their campuses. Campus decision makers should be familiar with the principles of liability being applied in courts, and take indicated steps to reduce risk of litigation. These steps will also help avoid unwanted, negative publicity about the institution,…

A Florida student suicide case alleging administrative and school board negligence had mixed results. School officials must be vigilant about the possibility of student suicide and put appropriate procedures into place. The connections to school may include confidential communications, curricular linkages (educational films and student journals),…

Discusses clear trends in school law regarding compulsory community service and school district liability for student-to-student sexual harassment. The courts are upholding mandatory community service programs, as seen in a recent Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling. The courts are also recognizing a student's right to protection by school…

Newly arrived Hispanic families have needs differing from established families. School staff should recognize that immigrant children may be highly motivated, families may be uncomfortable with English, and parent-school partnerships are unusual in Hispanic cultures. Schools should encourage parents to work with children in their native language,…

Provides educators with current information on HIV/AIDS epidemiology, transmission, and prevention; the educational rights of HIV-infected children; neurodevelopmental sequelae in school-age infected children; relevant case law; results of empirically based studies on youngsters' HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors; and school…

The article discusses ways in which recreation professionals can limit liability in recreation activities by facilitating participation without the liability of sponsorship (e.g. sign-out forms, rental agreements), and by endeavoring to place upon participants certain responsibilities through "Agreements to Participate" in sponsored activities,…

The provision of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) education is of vital importance and must be introduced across the nation immediately. Recommendations are made for comprehensive health education on the part of schools, state and local health departments, and departments of education. Legal and ethical issues are discussed. (JD)

Offers constructive suggestions to social studies teachers on specific ways to present social studies content. Contends that educators must develop strategies based upon student needs--strategies that help teachers link students to the people, places, and things that make up the social studies. (MS)

Issues relating to the optometry school's provision of remedial instruction for students in academic difficulty are discussed, including the adequacy of admissions policies and criteria, student unawareness of the required level of commitment, early identification of academic difficulties, remedial program design, costs, and legal considerations.…

Adolescents whose speech or listening disorders remain untreated are headed for academic and social failure. Presents a screening process for teachers to use in looking for certain warning signs of speech and listening disorders and offers suggestions for establishing a treatment program. (MLF)

Institutional responsibility for hazing injuries was called into question in a Delaware Superior Court in the case of "Furek v. University of Delaware." In ruling in the university's favor, the court signaled that universities may move to eliminate hazing without unreasonable fear of creating institutional liability for hazing incidents.…

Schools must increasingly deal with children who brandish weapons and exhibit antisocial or violent behavior. Psychologists agree that young children are very susceptible to violence and that stored violent images can warp their interpretation of reality. To combat youth violence, many schools have adopted antiviolence curricula and conflict…

At a 1992 meeting, 30 national leaders put aside differences and agreed on 6 character traits that should be taught in school, including trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, justice and fairness, caring, and citizenship. Students are adrift because schools have abandoned the teaching of absolute moral values. Legal alternatives for…

According to the federal Copyright Remedy Clarification Act of 1990, state colleges and universities can no longer claim Eleventh Amendment immunity against copyright infringement actions. Faculty and administrators must now be especially careful to understand copyright law requirements and limitations, including fair-use defense and remedies…