Special education litigation remains a volatile area with significant practice implications. A review of the 2010 case law in the "Special Educator" identified discipline (manifestation determination, seclusion and restraints, harassment), evaluation/RTI, and postsecondary transition as specific areas of concern. School administrators should keep…

A traditional, authoritarian approach to attendance problems can't work in today's school, this writer believes. He explains a successful attendance program needs to be based on positive reinforcement--making each student feel involved in his own education. The plan described here is flexible enough to satisfy those parents who prefer the…

Educators should be aware of the Education Commission of the States' influence on state policy making as it pertains to the local education scene. This article explores the history and current activities of the Commission. (Editor)

External assessments for accountability may be taking precedence over other educational assessment purposes and are beginning to direct teaching and learning in schools. Four common concerns include teaching to the tests, narrowing instructional focus and allowing tests to determine curricula, deemphasizing higher order thinking skills, and…

The recommendations set forth in "Developing Character: Transmitting Knowledge," a recent statement signed by prominent scholars and educators, are reviewed here for principals. The statement focuses on the importance of education for character development. (Author)