The ways in which admissions and orientation policies and practices help undergraduates form appropriate expectations for college are examined through examples of 14 colleges and universities, whose recruitment materials communicate the institution's educational purposes and orientation activities affirm institutional values and make students feel…

Overly aggressive advertising policies used to be attributed to a few disreputable and unethical schools. Consumer protection organizations are now becoming aware of promotional efforts by respected universities, colleges, and respected institutions that are soliciting students through unorthodox and sometimes questionable tactics. (Offers a basic…

Because child abusers can be found everywhere (even in schools) and children do not easily report abuse, board members are advised to know the law, stay informed about preventive programs, lobby for teacher education changes, foster inservice programs, develop firm policies, educate children, and check employment references. (MLH)

Provides a background on the importance of research in student affairs. Presents information about Project Pulse, a weekly telephone survey operation at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Describes studies on fire safety, awareness of the threat of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome on campus, and cigarette smoking. Discusses…

A comprehensive safety program includes use of consent forms and safety tests, posting and enforcement of safety rules, inspections, established emergency procedures, documentation of safety education, well-maintained equipment, adequate supervision, and modeling of safe behavior and proper attitudes. (SK)

This article, based upon a survey of 3000 teachers in 92 Illinois high schools, presents data on homework use by teachers. Data is provided on the amount, frequency, structure, purposes, and types of homework assigned to students. The level of school and parental support is also assessed. (IAH)

Educators' avoidance of the racism issue has two damaging consequences for the classroom: diverting minority students' attention from academic pursuits and sending White students the message that racial prejudice is acceptable. Educators meed to counteract the racism problem by clearly articulating expectations, punishing racist behaviors, and…

Imposed legalistic school disciplinary codes are ineffectual and undemocratic. The focus and form of legalization in school discipline systems must shift to rule formation processes. The importance of evaluating impediments to participation is discussed. (BJV)

A growing number of college students report that campus judicial systems are more concerned with political correctness than with fairness, or that the systems are unfair regardless of the discipline issue, and complain about the secrecy of proceedings. Shift from a paternalistic discipline policy to a legalistic one is seen. (MSE)

In "Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier," the Supreme Court upheld public secondary school officials' right to control the content of a school-sponsored, curriculum-based newspaper so long as their decision is "reasonably related to legitimate pedagogical concerns." This article examines education officials' responses to…

Many school districts let teachers take computers home over the summer to improve their skills. The article shares strategies about computer use, liability, borrowing, and moving from school to home. It suggests summer projects such as learning to use computerized gradebooks, learning new programs, and computerizing lesson plans and tests. (SM)

College trustees must inform themselves about campus policies related to sexual offenses and sex discrimination as well as relevant federal and state laws, work to improve those policies, require appropriate campus education programs, and ensure that the rights of both the accused and accuser are protected. Examples of policy formation activities…

In high schools, a conspiracy of silence shrouds the sexual orientation issue. Although the social atmosphere is vaguely supportive, fear and the realities of life cause most gays and lesbians to keep their sexual identities hidden. Homophobia can be addressed through staff development, support staff and services, inclusion of homosexual issues in…

Respondents (n=297) to a national survey of school districts concerning homework policies found that 35.2% of school districts surveyed had a policy on homework, with 64.4% of those policies including modifications for students with disabilities. Findings on frequency and amount of homework assigned, as well as home-school communication…

At an October 1989 press conference, a group of 16 educational and religious groups issued a proposal to help school authorities deal with religious holidays. The coalition encouraged administrators to approach these holidays from an academic perspective and to avoid any promotion of beliefs or devotions. Religious music may be studied and sung to…