Discusses the three types of tort action: intentional interference, strict liability, and negligence and offers guidelines for use by teachers in avoiding legal actions in tort. (FL)

Presents a "quick-quiz update on the law concerning special education" and discusses the correct answers to the quiz. (FL)

Discusses the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the "Rowley" case. Discusses its implications for local school districts' assessments of which students are entitled to special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. (SR)

Reports on and discusses four decisions the United States Supreme Court issued in 1998 regarding liability for claims of sexual harassment. Discusses the school district's dual role as federally funded educational institution and as employer. Argues that the lesson learned is that schools must develop and enforce clear sexual harassment policies.…

Discusses issues regarding the superintendent, the school board, and free speech as raised in the case of Kinsey v. Salado Independent School District. Discuss the three different judgments in this case as it went through appeals, and their differing views of this relationship. (SR)

Reviews recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions on school choice. Finds little doubt as to the basic constitutionality of a properly designed choice program. (SR)

Examines briefly important concepts in the discipline of students with disabilities. Explains the principles developed through case law, which can provide guidance to administrators struggling with questions regarding the discipline of such students. Notes that the same principles may hold for the student at risk for school failure. (SR)

Discusses key provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which protects the confidentiality of student records. Describes 10 errors school personnel may commit in handling student confidentiality records which can invite legal challenges and prove costly from a legal standpoint. (SR)

Treats various state's laws on corporal punishment in schools as it affects students and teachers. Recommends that corporal punishment be used only as self-defense measure. (DS)

Discusses the constitutionality of community service activity as a graduation requirement. Analyzes issues in the "Steirer versus Bethlehem" case, in particular school district control of the curriculum, the first amendment and free speech, and the 13th amendment and involuntary servitude. (SR)

Discusses case law regarding schools and strip searches of students, and offers five generalizations regarding the matter. (SR)

Reviews the concepts of negligence and "tort liability." Outlines briefly 10 legal cases that can be useful in explaining what the liability issues are for today's educators with regard to students who are injured while in school. Outlines six steps school officials should take to avoid negligence. (SR)

Tells of a young man's experience in teaching. Despite social change and liberalized views, the public will not accept a rehabilitated drug addict as a teacher. (DS)

Examines the issue of using dissection as a class activity in the science curriculum. Discusses the pros and cons, including the legal aspects of the issue. Suggest guidelines for educators regarding this issue. (HB)

The author explores the growing litigation over student rights in disciplinary cases, noting that the teacher's freedom to use punishment and behavior modification is being restricted. He presents teachers with some guidelines on classroom management and control in light of these court rulings. (SJL)