Presents findings from a 4-year study of 225 cases involving students' sexual abuse by teachers or other professional staff, based on interviews with superintendents, school attorneys, parents, and teachers. Although 39% of accused teachers left the district and 15% were terminated, few lost teaching licenses. Districts need firm policies, staff…

The DeKalb County (Georgia) School System has reduced the number of gun-toting students by over 65% by piecing together a program combining education, community involvement, mandatory expulsion, and video technology. Kids do their part by learning the school's discipline policy, discussing nonviolent alternatives, and carrying clear bookbags. (MLH)

As schools merge onto the information highway, districts must address their liability associated with Internet access. Schools need a practical policy supporting high access to global educational resources while limiting district liability. USENET provides easy access to controversial and pornographic materials. This article outlines federal…

Describes a California school superintendent's struggle to resolve two sexual abuse cases involving teachers immediately after being appointed to head a closely knit, but financially troubled district. The superintendent's success may be attributed to careful planning, solid advice, strong and succinct district policies, honest communication, and…

This study investigated policies about the use of content acceleration and grade skipping for gifted students in middle and secondary schools by 105 school districts. Results indicated that only 15% of responding districts had formal policies about grade skipping, whereas 57% had informal policies effectively preventing grade skipping. Formal…

A federal district judge has struck down a two-year-old University of Wisconsin code barring slurs or epithets based on an individual's race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or ethnic origin, ruling that it violates students' First-Amendment rights to freedom of speech. The decision affects a number of other colleges. (MSE)

Besides establishing a dialogue with concerned parents about the school's holiday observance policies, principals should know district policies, check with colleagues in nearby schools, consult teachers, become familiar with school law and court cases, realize that teachers and community members may not agree, develop and publicize a sound policy,…

Environmental, cost-benefit, and regulatory reasons for colleges to have a comprehensive consumption and waste management program are offered, and elements in a policy statement on recycling and resource use are outlined, including encouragement of precycling, reduction of use of disposable products, separation of recoverable and recyclable…

Describes a theater contract between the director and the students which is designed to promote professionalism, commitment, and understanding through the drama experience. Lists specific guidelines for rehearsals, performances, and general behavior, and contains a sample contract. (PRA)

Suggests that a successful college-admission process depends on mutual trust and open communication between college counselors and college-admission officers. Suggests that high school counselors should make sure that their school policy is consistent with state and federal statutes and that admission counselors should be sensitive to legal…

A survey was mailed to all 66 Louisiana public school district superintendents and to 50 state department of education superintendents on school district policy regarding student dress code and student/faculty uniform use. States reported no statute or mandate for student uniforms. Uniform policy was optional and popular in 36 Louisiana districts.…

Changes in politics, the economy, demographics, and local leadership all led to the establishment of the Potter Thomas Bilingual School in Philadelphia in 1969. Describes the school's history; how it created, implemented, and sustained language policies within its personnel, curriculum, evaluation, and community policies; and present and future…

Explores the effects of a proactive school-wide discipline approach on the frequency of problem behavior displayed by elementary students. Study was designed to explore the impact of a social skill instruction program and direct intervention on problem behaviors in three school settings (cafeteria, recess, and hallway transition). Results indicate…

School administrators are crucial in developing and implementing an effective, comprehensive school Suicide-prevention program. They should develop a districtwide policy, establish school-level crisis-intervention teams, provide teacher training, ensure appropriate responses to threats, include suicide-prevention education in the curriculum, and…

A complex case involving a disgruntled ex-employee's invasion of a college president's e-mail system resulted in a decision granting two plaintiffs' motions for summary judgment. This was the first recorded education-related collision on the electronic superhighway. Every educational institution should have a policy and procedure regarding what…