This booklet discusses issues facing sexual minority students. An introduction presents the National Association of School Psychologists' (NASP's) position statement on gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth. Section 1 highlights: "Violence, Homophobia, and Prejudice" (e.g., anti-gay harassment in schools documented, violence prevention, and a…

This report examines the extent to which proposals to decentralize public education can be implemented by individuals, groups, or institutions prepared to operate charter schools. Charter schools must be able to balance autonomy for decisions relating to educational programs and accountability with academic standards and market forces.…

This paper discusses the new Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 1997 amendments that require states or local education agencies to develop guidelines for participation in alternate assessments for those children with disabilities who cannot participate in state and district-wide assessment programs. The policies and guidelines of 12…

This paper discusses the new Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 1997 amendments that require states to develop guidelines for the participation of children with disabilities in alternate assessments who cannot participate in state and district-wide assessment programs. It describes and analyzes the efforts of 7 early starting states to…

The decline in civility, social responsibility, and institutional affiliation challenges the nature of schooling. Child development in the 1990s family is under pressure from changes that deny children the three basic essentials (nurture, structure, and latitude) for psychological health, effective learning, and civility, and that require children…

Attempts by courts in the United States and Canada to define the rights of children, parents, and educators are described, and their shortcomings and contradictions are pointed out. The author suggests another approach based on utilitarian values and pre-suppositions presented in works by John Stuart Mill. (PP)

Examines and evaluates three approaches used by community colleges to provide academic assistance to educationally underprepared students: offering compensatory programs and services as electives; requiring certain students to participate in skills courses; and offering basic skills instruction as part of regular courses. (DMM)

Offers a comparative framework for school organizations which illustrates tacit differences in teacher role expectations inherent in unique types of organizations. Expresses the central idea that the effective classroom teacher's role is operationally defined by the organizational system in which the teacher functions. (CSS)

Describes an empirical study that suggests using a cutoff score of 75 instead of the currently used score of 80 for the CPT Reading Comprehension Test (CPT-Read), which is used to place students in remedial coursework at Suffolk Community College. Also reviews the policy implications of establishing a lower cutoff score. Includes six data tables.…

A middle school teacher describes a situation where a student repeatedly stole money from her desk. Her response was to have a custodian hide, catch the student in the act, then have her suspended. Another teacher and a psychologist present their views of the situation, recommending alternative intervention and discipline. (SM)

Results of a National Association of College and University Business Officers survey concerning tuition discounting policies found that one-third of higher education's stated revenue stream consists of phantom dollars, with less than 10% of students paying published tuition. Data on freshman and other discounting rates, financial aid strategies,…

The public is concerned about rising tuition, yet high-profile news stories tell only part of this complex story. Although governing boards and presidents must pursue strategies to keep their institutions affordable, they must also inform their constituents of those strategies and explain better the actual, rather than perceived, cost of attending…

Explores the extent to which public policy commitments toward community participation are realized in Malawi. Finds that the main motivation for participation is extractive rather than genuine attempts to encourage local ownership and accountability. Argues that marketization of community participation signifies the entrenchment of individual…

A study of 150 students, who were referred to school study teams, investigated schools' classification decisions on low IQ students with academic and behavioral problems and found a decline in the identification rates of mild mental retardation. Compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is discussed. (CR)

Provides an overview of the arguments for and against block scheduling in the social studies. Teachers appreciate the extra time to develop key concepts, incorporate creativity in their instruction, and implement a variety of class activities. Reviews relevant procedures and teaching skills and recommends strategies for improving the…