Reviews problems involved in disciplining disabled students with behavior problems as a result of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. The case of "Honig V. Doe" has reached the Supreme Court but may be declared moot. Urges school administrators to warn parents of disabled students that the police will be called if students…

Higher education administrators planning for retrenchment should follow these guidelines: document the financial circumstances justifying retrenchment; devise a long-range financial plan; identify how and by whom retrenchment decisions are made; and know both the interests of and procedural protections available to faculty, staff, and other…

Detention rooms are more effective when students are accountable for their behavior, rules and consequences are clear and publicized, and teachers are involved in the disciplinary process. (DCS)

This newsletter defines common law negligence, discusses recent trends in common law negligence, cites litigation, and establishes guidelines to assist school administrators in the avoidance of such tort action. The success or failure of a negligence suit most commonly turns on one of three factors: duty, breach of that duty, and proximate cause…

Provides guidelines and suggestions for schools faced with legal problems associated with children from nontraditional families. Sections are included on children with changed surnames, access to school records for noncustodial parents, policy conflicts between spouses over children's schooling, and attempts by noncustodial parents to remove…

Because of the importance of preventing inappropriate disciplinary measures for special education students and those with disabilities, school boards should direct administrators to set specific procedures and limits on disciplinary measures, boost staff development programs, and establish open communication with parents. (MLF)

Law review and journal articles on sexual harassment in higher education are presented along with policies and procedures from selected universities and organizations, guidance on drafting policies, and a selected bibliography. The following law review and journal articles are presented: "Recent Legal Developments in Sexual Harassment"…

Two constantly appearing claims in most playground accident suits are improper supervision and lack of warning to the users. This article discusses legal implications of improper signage, explains use of symbols, and presents general sign guidelines to ensure proper safety measures. (MLH)

This description of the development of a discipline policy at the Downers Grove (Illinois) Public Library recounts discipline problems, the process of creating the policy, and its effects. The text of the rules of behavior and a sample page from the procedures manual, which provides practical guidelines for enforcement, are included. (MES)

The courts have come to play an increasingly important role in educational policy making and the administrative management of our public schools. This is especially apparent in the context of school discipline where numerous and varied controversies have been translated into legal disputes over the past three decades, many of which have ultimately…

Reviews specific problems associated with software protection (copyright license, trade secret license), clauses in software license agreements that most frequently cause difficulties, and solutions university administrators and software industry should consider. Topics include confidentiality, restrictive use of modifications, use on single…

Teacher malpractice, defined as instructional incompetency, or failure to exercise reasonable guidance, counseling, and instructional supervision, is a critical problem. This article reviews recent court decisions favoring school districts. Principals, as instructional leaders, are cautioned about incompetent teachers and inappropriate testing,…

Changes in sports and the "sue syndrome" have increased the risk of athletic coaches being sued. Suggestions to reduce the risk involve: (1) job contracts; (2) preseason physical examinations; (3) parental consent; (4) good rapport with participants; (5) equipment safety; (6) documentation; (7) insurance; and (8) establishing priorities. (FG)

An examination of two dozen recent court decisions dealing with teacher dismissal for drug-related incidents reveals that the facts of each case, not traditional guidelines, determine the legality of the action. (Author/MLF)

New approaches need to be developed to constructively join law and education without resort to constant litigation and judicial intervention. The case for "preventive law" in public education is presented and a four-step implementation procedure recommended. (Author/MLF)