There is an assumption that high-school students are becoming more computer literate, but published studies of specific skill level are lacking. An anonymous multiple-choice survey self-assessed the ICT (information and communication technology) skills of first-year chemistry students at the beginning of 2002. The general level of ICT skill…

This paper examines what exactly an educational record is. The definition of educational record is central to how the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) are laid out. In order to gain FERPA protection, a document must be considered an educational record. To set context, the paper describes FERPA as an act stating…

This brochure, in a question-and-answer format, provides basic information about learning disabilities for faculty at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The questions address such topics as the definition of a learning disability, diagnostic criteria, documentation criteria, verifying the legitimacy of a student's request for…

Uses an example of a counseling session to illustrate the use of drawing as a counseling technique for nonverbal children. Suggests that drawing provides a less threatening atmosphere that allows children to communicate with a counselor and express feelings they may not want to face. (JAC)

The extension of Title VII to college faculty provided a mechanism for relief in cases where faculty were denied reappointment, promotion, or tenure for reasons unrelated to their job performance. The standards of review in Title VII cases and the court's role in academic Title VII cases are discussed. (MLW)

The issue of constraints on the publication of research results is discussed from the perspective of clashing values: free speech versus censorship in protection of national defense. The problems of secrecy as well as of disclosure are examined. Greater conflict between academe and military interests is foreseen. (MSE)

Arguments for and against disclosure of standardized test contents and answers, addressing issues of humanizing the testing process, equalizing educational opportunity, ensuring accountability, minimizing costs, ensuring fairness, and protecting test validity, are presented. (MSE)

The Supreme Court ruled that state statutes providing a former patient with access to medical records applies only to institutions receiving state legislative appropriations. The narrow focus of the case will allow challenges to the scope and validity of this ruling. (SF)

Summarizes legal issues that pertain to the uses of information technology on campuses. Highlights privacy, freedom of expression, and intellectual property rights. Argues that understanding these legal and ethical issues is necessary in developing an appropriate campus policy. Provides guidance for developing a campus technology policy. (RJM)

Investigated the effect of group counseling/therapy on self-disclosure in a close friendship of elementary school boys and girls. Results show girls were more forthcoming with self-disclosure sharing, and the sharing was more meaningful and private. Interestingly, only girls responded to intervention by increasing their ability to share meaningful…

Examined variations in "coming out" for gay, lesbian, and bisexual youths, specifically: the timing and sequence of developmental stages; completion of 10 milestone events involving self-awareness, sexual experiences, and disclosure to others; and immersion in social networks. Found comfort with sexual orientation was greatest in persons…

Examines significant teacher behavior which positively affects students' perceptions of the teacher-student relationship. Identifies specific self-disclosive statements which students attributed to good and/or poor teachers. Finds a significant relationship between teachers' self-disclosive statements and students' perceptions. (MM)

Review of charts for 141 children who had undergone both a screening interview by an emergency department physician and an investigative interview for child sexual abuse evaluation found that perpetrator identification obtained during emergency department screening interviews usually agreed with information obtained at the subsequent investigative…

Fearing increased federal regulation, college accreditors are re-examining the ways they assess colleges. Agreed-upon principles include establishing minimum standards for institutions seeking accreditation in all regions of the country, setting higher standards for teaching and learning, and issuing public reports of their findings about…

Recently, adoptive parents have successfully sued placement agencies for wrongful adoption or fraudulently misrepresenting or neglecting to give a child's medical or family history. Adoption agencies' policies about disclosing the medical and social history of adoptees have been cyclical and have developed because of specific social factors; such…