A recent case at a state university sought to challenge the notion that Directors of Forensics are empowered to make decisions that will govern tournament entries. A student who had been doing extremely well in forensics, but was causing some difficulties in the program was admonished for her behavior. The student's debate tournament participation…

Under Phase II of the Immigration Reform and Control Act, eligible legalized aliens (ELAs) can become lawful permanent residents (LPRs) if they demonstrate English language competency or show that they are satisfactorily pursuing a course of study to obtain English language skills. Certain English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) programs have been…

A study examined legal and ethical considerations used by school administrators in decision making. A national survey of 306 elementary and secondary principals and district superintendents yielded 226 responses. The survey instrument examined administrators' ability to make ethical and legal decisions and described their reported decision-making…

This publication presents topic headings that may be used as a checklist of state law grounds for challenging a disciplinary action. Topics include: (1) illegality in rule adoption; (2) inadequate notice that conduct is subject to discipline; (3) existence of a protected interest; (4) inadequate notice of hearing; (5) inadequate hearing…

The second volume of a two-part resource guide for teachers of emotionally disabled students, this guide provides articles and informational items on aspects of serving this student population. The first section examines legal issues involved in conducting staffings, writing individualized education program objectives and understanding…

Designed for the general public and possibly suitable also for high school economics students, this pamphlet discusses the Consumer Leasing Act. The act requires leasing companies to inform consumers of the costs and terms of their contracts, limits any extra payments at the end of a lease, and regulates lease advertising. The pamphlet focuses on…

Office of Education regulations upon which "need" analysis for federal student financial aid subsidies is based are presented and analyzed and the legal issues discussed. It is concluded that legal analysis tends to support the constitutionality of the guidelines. Recommendations are made that would provide flexibility within the guidelines. (JT)

This article examines how legal arguments advocating school finance reform do not provide an adequate basis for dealing with practical problems of implementing such policies. Guidelines for reform of fiscal policy are suggested. (DE)

The Serrano decision provides an opportunity to create an equitable school finance system that guarantees every child in California a quality education. No major financial reform is likely unless the current system is declared unlawful. Published by California School Boards Association, 800 9th Street, Suite 201, Sacramento, California 95814.…

State compulsory attendance statutes require parents and legal guardians to see that children are educated. Although courts have consistently upheld such statutes, the nature of these filings has changed. Whereas early-day legal action usually sought to protect the rights of some select group from constitutional infringement, more recent suits…

The first chapter of this monograph on sport law presents tort issues, primarily negligence. A discussion of some fundamental negligence concepts is followed by three sections devoted to the prime risk areas in school and collegiate settings. A review of the principles of risk management is included. The second chapter focuses on contractual…

A survey and analysis of various fairness issues related to teacher evaluation and the pursuant legal challenges to placement on the Texas Teacher Career Ladder by the use of a statewide teacher appraisal system are presented in this report. Analysis of legal trends in Texas indicates that strict compliance has been required in situations where…

Problems in the administration of student aid programs are documented in this semiannual report by the Department of Educations's Office of Inspector General (OIG). Chapter 1 describes abuses of the Department of Education's student financial assistance (SFA) programs, improper screening of participating schools, illegal access by ineligible…

The traditional approach of the courts was to accept as "reasonable cause" for teacher dismissal any conduct that set a bad example for students. This chapter examines a cross-section of cases illustrating recent court decisions in this area and attempts to identify any consistent patterns of adjudication and their implications for school…

This planning guide was created to help educators plan and implement projects to reduce student abuse of drugs and alcohol. Chapter 1, Perspectives, briefly describes four commonly held perspectives regarding substance abuse: (1) moral-legal; (2) public health; (3) psychosocial; and sociocultural. A brief history of the ways in which New Jersey…