This publication consists of papers delivered at a 1986 preconference workshop of the Canadian Education Association. "Recent Legislation and Emerging Trends," by Duncan Green, identifies common themes in three recent pieces of school legislation in Ontario. The second paper, by Judith Anderson, assesses "Trends and Implications for Developing Policies and Practices in the Area of Students and Parents." Topics include the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, search and seizure laws, the Young Offenders Act, child abuse laws, pupil records, and right to education laws. The following paper, by Elmer E. Froese, addresses two related questions, as indicated in the title: "Why Do Some School Boards End Up in Court While Others Don't? Will School Boards Exist in the 21st Century?" Included are nine statistical tables on legal questions derived from a survey of 71 school districts throughout Canada. The next paper, by Robert Watson, addresses "Trends and Implications for Developing Policy and Practices in the Area of Staff," followed by a companion paper by Jean J. Comtois on "Trends and Implications for Developing Policy and Practices in the Area of Program." The final paper, by Jacques Mongeau, reviews the history of "Education and the Laws of Quebec." The publication concludes with a "Conference Wrap-Up" by William Kent, president of the Canadian School Trustees Association. (TE)