The article addresses 10 questions that should receive thoughtful consideration prior to initiating a competency testing program for handicapped students. (Author)

Provides suggestions to help administrators and instructors examine educational policies and practices, identify foreseeable risks, and plan for the appropriate management of risks in light of recent court decisions on: proper instruction, adequate supervision of in- and out-of-class activities, and the maintenance and safe operation of…

Examines pornography as a cultural commodity with a process of production, distribution and consumption. Analyzes the form, structure, and imagery of pornography and raises the question of decoding an image or text subversively. Examines the political significance of current struggles over the legal status of pornography. (JMF)

Recent litigation of child abuse cases indicates that two contradictory policies compete for court approval. One policy would reduce the amount of intervention into abusive families on grounds of privacy. The other seeks to maintain and expand channels of investigation and treatment. Journal Availability: American Academy of Pediatrics, P.O. 1304,…

Describes the role of information privacy in modern society, examines recent legal cases to illustrate how privacy cases are adjudicated and to identify the limits of available privacy protection, and raises issues regarding techniques for insuring data confidentiality. (FM)

The author considers the implications of minimum competency requirements for handicapped students, teachers of the handicapped, and mainstreaming. (SBH)

Discusses questions a superintendent should review with the school board and school attorney to define the attorney's role and ensure maximum understanding. Superintendents should consider whether they are comfortable asking for timely assistance, which school leaders are authorized to contact the school attorney, and how legal advice is…

Online copyright problems may be resolvable by a simple permission method. Describes Project Xanadu, a system of hypermedia publishing servers, designed to preserve integrity, copyright, and royalty for digital materials, yet allow reuse. Discusses permission doctrine; aspects of supporting software; legal status of transcopyright; variations not…

Removal of school library books is again an issue in the courts. In a 1993 Kansas City case involving the superintendent's removal of "Annie on My Mind" from several school libraries, the federal court found that school officials' motivation violated the First Amendment. Administrators must resist the temptation to quell controversy by…

Examines copyright issues surrounding media workers quoting and using sources obtained from computer networks, bulletin boards, and electronic mail. States that some recent legal cases and the Clinton Administration are beginning to address the issue of copyright in cyberspace, but that media workers are moving in uncharted waters when they quote…

Traces the origins of children's autobiographical memories, discussing research on infantile amnesia and young children's memory skills. Focuses on studies of children's long-term memory for autobiographical events that investigate delays of 1-2 years and delays of 4 years or more. Reports that a few studies have documented remarkably robust…

Offers tips for avoiding sports-related injuries: (1) expect more of coaches; (2) develop an athletic-safety plan; (3) consider hiring an athletic trainer; (4) check facilities and equipment regularly; (5) recognize athletes' limitations; (6) take precautions beyond the playing field; and (7) check liability coverage and obtain informed consent.…

The paper examines the advantages and disadvantages of allowing mentally retarded clients to exercise personal liberties, such as the right to choose and refuse daily activities. Recommendations are offered to protect both the right to habilitation and the freedom to choose. (Author/DB)

According to the American Tort Reform Association's (ATRA) survey of secondary school principals, concern about liability was cited for cutting back or terminating many activities. ATRA recommends some major legislative change including reform of the doctrine of joint and several liability, and placing limits on noneconomic and punitive damage…