Reviews recent court cases relating to student, school, and staff responsiblity regarding student activities. Includes discussions of regulations concerning student participation, limitations on participation based on conduct, charging fees, and liability in injury cases. (MD)

Discusses court decisions in relation to the Equal Access Act and provides two sample policies for schools to follow. One limits student activities, and the second allows noncurriculum-related student meetings. (MD)

Examination of 30 mildly handicapped and 30 average high school students revealed that regular education students were more likely than special education students to be seriously involved in activities outside of schools. Sex differences were noted. Nonacademic activities provide an alternative path to achievement and self-esteem for low academic…

Research studies have shown that the benefits of student participation in cocurricular activities are substantial. However, many schools reward or punish student achievement and conduct by setting eligibility standards for participation in student activities. In such a system, educators view activities primarily as rewards for good behavior and…

The committee that produced this report was asked to examine two major concerns: (1) that criteria for participating in various extracurricular activities were inconsistent between schools; and (2) that criteria for participating in all extracurricular activities (including athletics) contribute to the overall mission of teaching and learning in…

There is increasing awareness that how young people spend their time outside of school has consequences for their development. As part of this awareness, interest in organized activities--extracurricular activities, after-school programs, and youth organizations--has grown markedly. On balance, the bulk of research on organized activities has…

This document comprises the final technical report on the evaluation of the 1987-88 supplementary education programs of the Austin (Texas) Independent School District funded under Chapter 2 of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act. The following major findings are reported: (1) half of the students who rode extracurricular buses…

This booklet was written to help school officials understand the law concerning public forums and voluntary religious activities in public schools. Compliance dilemmas arising from the First Amendment establishment of religion clause and the accompanying free speech and free expression clauses, along with 14th Amendment equal protection…

The United States Supreme Court's decision in "Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier" gives school officials sweeping power over school-sponsored publications and other curricular and extracurricular activities. To avoid charges of squelching student expression, school boards should make sure that policies limit censorship to legitimate…

Examines questions that continue to be raised by court decisions concerning the Equal Access Act of 1984 regarding the use of school facilities by religious and political groups. Offers some suggestions for school boards and administrators including the need for careful and explicit policies and rules. (MLF)

In recent years, there has been increased policy interest in the way young people spend their time out of school, and in promoting the availability of opportunities for them to spend this time in productive and developmentally supportive ways. Out-of-school opportunities (such as arts and music programs, sports teams, community service, youth …

Two Constitutional principles--separation of church and state and freedom of speech--have been placed in conflict by the newly established Equal Access Act (1984). Some ways that school boards have found to deal with the confusion are presented. (MD)

The Supreme Court affirmed in "Mergens" that the Equal Access Act represents a legislative determination that secondary school students are mature enough to be exposed to an open forum. However, schools can either recognize noncurriculum-related groups, restrict student groups to curriculum-related activities, abolish student clubs, or…

This report addresses impact of the Learn and Serve America Higher Education (LSAHE) service learning initiatives on communities, higher education institutions, and students, and is based on 3 years (1995-97) of data collection and observation at 27 institutions. LSAHE has awarded grants to higher education institutions and community organizations…

The Equal Access Act of 1984 was drafted to implement access for religious clubs to public secondary schools, but with constitutionally protected safeguards to preclude entanglement of church and state. A number of challenges were made on the constitutional grounds of excessive entanglement of church and state, as well as what the definition of…