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…

Administrators across the nation have encountered vigorous challenges against textbooks, practices, and procedures that critics find laden with occult and New Age values. Attacks are becoming more aggressive, better organized, and well financed. This article and accompanying sidebars discuss pressure group tactics and ways to counter them. The…

Notes that, beginning in the mid-1970s, role of educational testing and assessment began to expand dramatically in response to reports portraying U.S. schools and students in less than favorable light. Sees the future status of new forms of assessment that are used to influence curricula and motivate teachers and students being related to their…

The president of the New School for Social Research (New York) explains the institution's policy on freedom of expression in the context of a controversial art exhibit and suggests that academe consider how to use freedom of expression more vigorously in pursuit of a society free of prejudice and intolerance. (MSE)

Examines the codes of ethics of three major education associations (the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Education Association, and the American Association of School Administrators) and their usefulness in developing a school-specific code. The codes' language reveals how these organizations think about students,…

The real question behind affirmative action in higher education is whether the form of racial discrimination it represents is worth the improved access it provides. Three arguments favoring affirmative action in this context are that affirmative action (1) is needed to keep college admissions officers from discriminating against minorities; (2)…