Considers the issue of predicting violence committed by students in school campuses through the use of school discipline indices such as office referrals, suspensions, and expulsions. Reviews the existing research in incidents of school discipline markers as well as sources of variation due to student characteristics and classroom or school-wide…

Data from an ongoing study of tuition discounting at independent colleges and universities are presented, with in-depth analysis of 1995 data for 270 institutions and summary data (1990-95) for 147 institutions. Implications of the discounting trend and issues are discussed, including how to inform the public of discounts and assessing how…

Summarizes results of a seven-year study examining patterns of growth and change in San Diego Unified School District's Hispanic student population, focusing on predictable patterns of migration, geographic assimilation, and mobility. In 1987-88, Hispanics comprised 21.8% of the district's student population, compared to 31.8% in 1993-94. School…

A mother in rural Illinois who demonstrated against a dress-code policy at a school board meeting by brandishing a toy gun was banned from future school activities and filed suit. Courts upheld the board's policy of imposing reasonable restrictions on time, place, and manner of free speech. (MLH)

Schools desiring to help students with divorce transition should encourage both parents to attend parent-teacher conferences and establish a set of policies and procedures mindful of parents' separate residences. Schools need to consider both parents and recognize that kids in the middle are dealing with difficult challenges that may make…

Study reports the results of two surveys in which 215 students react to a policy mandating treatment for students receiving emergency room care due to alcohol abuse. Respondents identify many drinking problems that prompt student-to-student help, and predict that the policy would discourage helping but not reduce drinking. Proposes that college…

Analyzes recent federal court decision striking down school anti-harassment policy on First Amendment grounds. Discusses freedom of expression rights in public setting as compared to public-school context. Argues decision incorrectly relies on law developed outside public-school context, unjustifiably finds violation of First Amendment, and may…

From 19th-century Protestant hegemony to today's religion-free zones, we have found no proper, constitutional role for religion and religious expression in public education. Both models are unjust and, in some cases, unconstitutional. A third model, composed of consensual guidelines, must be translated into local district policies and practices.…

A review of studies of U.S. and Canadian college and university institutional research offices finds a traditional focus on size, organizational location, professional preparation, and primary tasks. Suggests the emergence of four trends related to: (1) technology, (2) demographics, (3) emphasis on pedagogy, and (4) national, regional, and state…

To help keep students alcohol- and drug-free, some principals have extended local school policies beyond campus boundaries. Before proceeding, principals must consider who should frame the policy, appropriate verification procedures, policy parameters, and policy initiation particulars. A Maryland high school's cocurricular participation contract…

A study that examined action plans of 60 British special schools which had failed their inspections found school target-setting was almost universally not matching the expected criteria, monitoring and evaluation were frequently confused, and there was a wide variation in the support which schools gained from local authority advisers. (Author/CR)

Addresses the controversy over teaching evolution in K-12 classrooms. Contends that evolution should be taught in the same way as other scientific theories, as the currently accepted view of the scientific community. (WRM)

Addresses how to find the best Internet resources for students, and protecting them from inappropriate access and materials. Examines the pros and cons of Internet filtering, the use of acceptable-use policies, voluntary self-rating systems, and inclusion solutions. (GR)

About 150 colleges and universities have created benefit programs for employees' domestic partners, but few eligible employees have enrolled, either because the partners have benefits elsewhere or prefer not to use the program. However, the impacts on enrollees' lives can be substantial. Most institutions require domestic partners to complete…

Describes the establishment of an online course ownership policy by a faculty committee at Stevens Institute of Technology. Discusses ownership, use, and compensation issues and the concept of unbundling, which recognizes that an instructional object can have different owners depending on how it is being used. Presents the policy recommendations.…