In an effort to protect themselves against lawsuits because of student injuries, schools have requested parents to sign exculpatory documents for extracurricular activities and consent forms for athletic activities. Reviews state and federal court decisions and the seven issues the courts consider. Provides a sample release form and caveats for…

This report describes patterns of continuity and change among spring 2004 high school seniors from the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002 (ELS:2002) first follow-up study, spring 1992 seniors from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS:88) second follow-up study, spring 1980 seniors from the High School and Beyond (HS&B)…

This report describes and analyzes fund-raising activities in Toronto elementary and secondary schools. Data were provided by 87 percent of the 158 Toronto school principals. The topics covered include: (1) kinds of activities, (2) frequency of activities, (3) extent of activities (grade level and type of school), (4) purposes (for school needs or…

Describes a two year pilot program which made a significant step toward improving academics, morale, and student/parent involvement which helped a Florida junior high school earn national recognition. (MD)

Reports results from the 1984 survey, which found Americans respond more favorably to public schools than at any time in the past decade. Survey results show that they also feel education contributes more to national strength than industrial or military power. (MD)

Presents an interview with the administrators of a vocational school in Moscow. Explains that the school trains workers for the garment industry, hair styling, cosmetics, and food preparation. Discusses the school's history, programs, and goal-oriented approach. Describes the curriculum as experimental training with an emphasis on teacher…

In 1982-83, the Austin (TX) Independent School District chose to use its Chapter 2-Formula funds for two sets of activities: bus monitors and extracurricular transportation for desegregation purposes. This report summarizes the evaluation findings for these two activities, as well as what happened to programs funded under the Emergency School Aid…

Examines legal issues concerning teachers' noninstructional duties. Discusses several factors influencing court decisions that uphold reasonable assignments of noninstructional duty, including courts' reluctance to interfere with school policies. Presents five assignment guidelines for administrators eager to minimize teacher dissatisfaction and…

To make sure students' time in school is used efficiently and advantageously, some simple ways to improve time use are suggested. It is important to assess time use to ensure that a school schedules enough time for basics, is using learning time and teaching time well, and is not duplicating subject matter. (MD)

This study drew on data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998-99 to examine whether children made gains in general knowledge over the summer following their first year of kindergarten, whether general knowledge gains were similar for all children, and whether participation in certain types of summer activities…

Most school systems in Tennessee raise additional revenue for instructional and extracurricular activities through fund raising projects and voluntary student fee collections. Responses to a questionnaire by 129 principals (from a sample of 15) were analyzed to determine the extent, diversity, and results of fund raising activities and fee…

Discusses "no pass-no play" rules adopted by many state legislatures and local school districts that raise the academic standards students must meet before participating in extracurricular activities. Reviews two recent court challenges to the rules' constitutionality, focusing on due process, authority, and participation as a right or…

While the courts have said that public schools may not permit extracurricular religious groups to meet at school, Congress's Equal Access Act says that under certain conditions they must. The Supreme Court will review the issue. A copy of the Equal Access Act is provided. (DCS)

The United States Supreme Court ruling in "Mergens" gives school districts the following options: (1) require all student groups to have a direct relationship to curriculum; (2) have a "limited public forum," therefore, allowing noncurriculum-related groups to use school facilities; or (3) choose to ignore the law and forego…

This report presents information on similarities and differences between U.S. high school sophomores as studied at three points in time over the past 22 years, with a focus on cohort demographics, academic programs and performance, extracurricular activities, life values, and educational/occupational aspirations. It provides an update to the…