Discusses recent rulings by the courts regarding financial support for campus religious and political activities. The court cases discussed, although only applicable in their respective jurisdictions, provide general principles for administrators to follow when considering the merits of using fees for these purposes. (JPS)

Health and medical researchers have conclusively proven that smoking and secondhand smoke constitute a major health danger. Students get mixed messages when school staff smoke or use other tobacco products on campus. This article advocates a total ban on tobacco use in school settings, offers policymaking guidelines, summarizes state legislation,…

Truancy can be traced to four causes: an unsupportive school environment, lack of community support, chaotic family life, and personal deficits. School-based responses feature either academic incentives for good attendance, administrative consequences for nonattendance, academic consequences for nonattendance, or supportive services. Counseling…

Provides guidelines for Head Start teachers and administrators to determine the utility of classroom rules. Notes that, although some rules are necessary to maintain classroom discipline and a healthy learning environment, others may serve no useful purpose and actually hinder learning opportunities. Lists 10 points to consider when evaluating a…

Surveys Florida high school newspaper advisors' knowledge of and attitudes about district publication policies to investigate whether the Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier ruling caused a change in school district publication policies. Finds that school district publications policies are not more restrictive than before the Hazelwood decision. (SR)

Considers the moral dimension of educational leadership, based on the lived experiences of 11 women superintendents. Examines interviewees' perceived options in resolving moral dilemmas that defy adherence to policy. Most evident is superintendents' reliance on localized knowledge of particular people, capacity to imagine the other's situation,…

Interviews with 14 teachers of students who experienced sexual abuse indicated that most did not feel they had adequate support systems or policies for dealing with abuse survivors. More training and greater openness in dealing with the issue were recommended. (SK)

A survey of 4,700 students aged 11-16 in 25 British schools found that, in any year, 75% are bullied; 7% either perpetuate or suffer severe and repeated bullying. Four behavior patterns were found: bullies, bully-victims, victims, and nonparticipants. Teacher intervention and antibullying policies are ineffective without staff training and…

Unlike more stable content and goals for other areas of school study, technology continues to change, bringing new goals for how learning should be served by and what students should know about technology. This article examines assessments of computer competence, factors influencing the definition of technology skills, state and district…

After an antibullying project in Sheffield (England) primary schools, 657 children ages 7-11 in four schools were surveyed. Two schools had a consistent decline in bullying, one a consistent rise, and one a decline and then a rise. All four reduced bullying among boys, but three had a rise in bullying among girls. (SK)

Discusses how the University of California's Board of Regents, under pressure from students and lawmakers, rescinded its policies against affirmative action, although a state ban remains in effect. (EV)

An educational law professor reflects on the context of sexual harassment prevention. Some people won't take the subject seriously and are concerned only with legalities. Every school needs a formal plan to eradicate sexual harassment. Milder forms often worsen, if uncorrected, and kids cannot learn if they are afraid. (MLH)

As four recent events in the Denver area show, parents' rights and society's needs sometimes collide, with battles often fought in public schools. This issue should be explicitly recognized in school policy. Policymakers should address disputed facts; develop guidelines for including parents in determining outcomes, solutions, and evaluation…

The grand shift toward a technology-driven model for education has raised many questions concerning traditionally underserved students' access to technological resources and to adequately trained teachers. Guidelines for equalizing resources and providing instructional software for limited-English-speaking students at district and school levels…

Discusses how college and university administrators can attract students by providing them with a sense of community. Ideas are offered on student housing policies and living space design. Several trends in student housing are discussed. (GR)