Argues for an understanding of play as a flux between the imagination and attempts to test consequences of "what if" questions. Discusses leading educational theorists' views of the role of play. Suggests that school authority which reduces creative play closes off children's means of finding answers to some vocational questions. (SG)

Administrators must review school policies and practices to ensure that the needs of the increasing numbers of students from nontraditional families are being met. Administrators can further communication by providing teachers with accurate information about students' family structure, establish joint expectations and responsibility for a child's…

Every college should have a campuswide computer publishing policy. Policy options include (1) centralized publishing; (2) franchise, with a number of units doing their own publishing; or (3) limited, with the publications office producing the basics and assisting other units when feasible. To be successful, the policy must also be enforced. (MSE)

National data indicate that sexual harassment complaints at colleges and universities has more than doubled in the last two years. It is unclear whether this reflects change in occurrence or increased awareness and willingness to file a claim. Documentation, trained assistance, and adequate institutional policy are seen as needed. (MSE)

Examines the impact of affirmative-action college-admission policies on black student dropout rates in the nation's top higher education institutions. Black student dropout rate comparative data are provided that show graduation rate percentages of Ivy League schools, less-selective state universities, and historically black colleges. (GLR)

Guidelines are presented for improving textbook adoption procedures to ensure that instructional materials address diverse learner characteristics and that educators receive necessary training to effectively use instructional materials to teach diverse learners. The guidelines are based on research reviews, document reviews, and fieldwork directly…

The increase in computer facilities, applications, and access on college campuses raises concerns about information and resource management. In developing an information policy, Lehigh University (Pennsylvania) addressed a variety of issues, including legal liability, censorship, resource management, ownership of information, user responsibility,…

Survey of state directors of special education in 50 states and District of Columbia gathered data on provision of extended school year (ESY) services to students with handicaps within legal framework of Public Law 94-142 and Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Recommendations are presented for development of ESY policy reflecting current…

Evaluation of college student recruitment and retention programs is complex and has limitations that must be acknowledged. It requires an ongoing commitment to evaluation and a willingness to look at such programs within the larger context of academic policies and administrative procedures. (MSE)

A federal appeals court ruled that judges may not dismiss handicapped-discrimination lawsuits against universities solely on the basis of official university statements that allegedly discriminatory practices are appropriate for the academic programs involved. The decision keeps alive a case in which a dyslexic student could not take a…

Describes the effects of the National Congress on Catholic Schools for the 21st Century on the Saint Charles Borromeo School in Minnesota. Reviews the five themes of the Congress: Catholic identity, Catholic leadership, the relationship between school and society, school governance and finance, and political action and public policy. (MAB)

Poses 10 questions regarding research and policy issues in comprehensive school health promotion (CSHE). The answers are regarded as having potential for significantly influencing future funding, adoption, and implementation of CSHE. (GLR)

Examined how resident directors (RDs) and residential assistants (RAs) defined and enforced college alcohol policy in three freshman residence halls. Findings suggest that alcohol violations vary with academic quarters, that recidivism varies with alacrity of RD sanctions, and that RAs' reporting practices vary with gender. (Author/NB)

Heritage month programs may actually reinforce stereotypes. When planning heritage events, schools should develop learning objectives; address values, history, and current power relationships shaping cultures; employ food and dance in context; include all Americas; portray present-day Native Americans; and examine overall school curriculum and…

Examines the U.K.'s Asset Management Plans (AMPs) designed to help Local Education Authorities (LEAs) identify and address the most important priorities in their school capital programs, and to help in their longer term planning and management of the school estate. Discusses AMP objectives, the stages of developing an AMP, and how the Department…