A discussion of contemporary conflict of interest in university research administration offers a historical perspective of the political and economic factors in "academic capitalism" and looks at current pressures. Potential conflict situations that must be addressed in institutional policy formation are outlined. (MSE)

Origins of the University of California's procedures for systematic review of principal investigators' financial disclosures prior to acceptance of grants, and the manner in which they are working at present, are examined. The disclosure requirements, faculty committee, criteria, and disclosures made during 1988 are described. Two case studies are…

Proposes six position statements, supported by sociological and anthropological literature, in opposition to The Straight Line Melting Pot Theory. Seeks to assist art educators to recognize and respect not only the sociocultural diversity that may be present in the classroom, but also to design and implement culturally responsive art curricula.…

The Iowa Board of Regents requires faculty to present a disclaimer when classroom instructional materials include sexually explicit content and allow students to complete alternative assignments. Some feel the policy strikes a healthy balance between academic freedom and student choice; others see it as giving students undue authority. (MSE)

Asserts that, among trends in higher education, none is more debated than the place of general education and the use of the core curriculum as an antidote to specialized education. Argues that psychology can be effectively presented to undergraduates in an interdisciplinary core curriculum. (CFR)

Petty teasing, joking, and bullying at school can have devastating effects on students, leading to violent and disastrous consequences for both perpetrators and victims. The article makes suggestions for how educators can take a proactive stance to prevent a climate that allows bullying and harassment to flourish. (SM)

Analyzes the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's decision in "McDuffy" and places it in the context of other state court decisions that have declared public school finance schemes unconstitutional. "McDuffy" requires the state legislature to provide additional money for poor school districts and strive to achieve a high…

Whether governmental funding of academic research entitles the government to impose secrecy conditions on research results is discussed. It is proposed that, although some restraints may be legitimate exercises of government discretion in spending public funds, there may be a limit to those restrictions, based on the recipient's constitutional…

Asserts that, for citizens in a democracy to understand and act upon complex societal issues, they must be able to integrate knowledge from a variety of subjects. Traces the history of interdisciplinary social studies education and examines arguments of its supporters and detractors. (CFR)

Teacher education must produce teachers who can ensure that schooling generates future good citizens. The paper examines regional and national reform, the civic foundations of education, and the need for dedicated, well-trained people to enter public service committed to public good. A description of CIVITAS, a citizenship project, is included.…

Based on an educational consultant's experience with a Pacific Telesis Foundation school restructuring program, this article shows the importance of time and culture. Restructuring means formally rearranging time usage to allow schools to create and sustain an interactive culture and supporting infrastructure for improving student learning. To…

Developments in telecommunications are encouraging many educational institutions to examine the potential of distance instruction as a means of reaching larger audiences separated by distance. One unforeseen problem in distance education may be possible copyright violations. This article addresses some of these concerns and suggests strategies for…

Presents steps for creating copyright policies: appoint an officer; arrange access to a lawyer; understand copyright principles; know how copyright applies to Internet and CD-ROMs; understand permissions procedures; collect reference materials; use Internet information; understand international law; stay updated; attend seminars; educate others;…

Describes an experiment with class meetings, designed to offer students practice in the democratic process, in a mixed-age, upper elementary, Montessori classroom. Finds that the group setting allowed students to address goals for classroom conduct and to learn ethics by example. Notes problems with tolerance for minority positions within the…

Discusses the impact of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Article 2B, dealing with licenses of information and software contracts, on information professionals. Mass market licenses, copyrights, standard form contracts, and impact on first sale are examined. A sidebar lists key World Wide Web sites and includes a sample letter of concern. (LRW)