This report examines transfer policies and processes for students among New Mexico colleges and universities. Nearly 9,000 students transferred from one institution to another within the state during 1995-96, an increase of 22 percent over 1994-95. During 1996, the New Mexico Commission on Higher Education (NMCHE) adopted a regulation designed to…

An open letter from the school board to teachers in the Gouverneur (New York) Central School District outlines what is expected of them in the areas of role in the school and the community, preparation, and job attitude. An outline of the letter is included to help other boards prepare a similar document. (MLF)

Censorship attacks on books are growing more common in school classrooms and media centers, as well as in the nation's public libraries. School board members can take steps to keep intellectual freedom alive. (MLF)

Complex issues in the educational environment often require sound legal counsel. Effective representation assists the district in controlling legal issues that could potentially burden the operation of the school. Offers advice regarding selecting, retaining, and effectively communicating with legal counsel. (Contains 12 references.) (Author/MLF)

In "Boring v Buncombe County Board of Education," a high school teacher sued a school board over her transfer to a middle school. At issue is a board's power to control the curriculum and a teacher's right to academic freedom, specifically selecting a controversial play for four students in advanced acting class. (MLF)

Any restrictions on student dress must have a legitimate educational rationale. Standards of attire for school employees are also permissible. A dress-code policy that calls for reasonable restrictions and is enforced with common sense can create a better school environment. Restrictive measures can lead to costly lawsuits. Cites advantages of…

Existing policies of local education agencies in Virginia concerning suspension and expulsion of handicapped students were evaluated in light of 6 recommended components. Responses of 78 special education directors to a questionnaire were synthesized with the policy information to develop a model procedure reflecting current trends in disciplining…

A school board member guides a tour of what is available for organizing school executives' schedules. Describes time-planner notebooks, computer software, and various academic and commercial online databases. Sidebars list the programs and products mentioned, discuss online services, and describe using a time-management planner in campaigning for…

A survey conducted in 1990 assessed the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-related policies and practices of 1,679 school districts across the United States. Results show that education about HIV tends to taper off after the seventh grade. School board members are asked to recognize the importance of HIV education and school health programs in…

The rapid turnover in urban superintendencies reflects changes in big-city school boards that are increasingly characterized as political rather than as public service positions. In addition, the expectation that urban superintendents should find solutions for complex issues and the urban boards' desire for a person of color have resulted in fewer…

Research indicates that token rewards of students have negative consequences. Using this as an example, school board members who are asked to support proposals for new programs should refuse to consider programs not grounded in substantive research and to expect staff members to develop a program-planning process that includes indepth research…

A recommended model policy related to new school construction has four major phases: (1) determining needs; (2) planning for facilities; (3) constructing new facilities; and (4) accepting and operating facilities once they are constructed. (MLF)

Before electing to utilize metal-detection devices for random weapons searches of students, school districts should be prepared for the possibility of having to litigate the legality of their policies. Reviews the limited case law on the subject, and offers recommendations to districts that decide to proceed with the development of such a policy.…

Adjusting an educational-capital-improvement project to a limited budget may mean deferral of equipment and furniture, changes in the acoustical-visual-thermal environment, and space reduction. The challenge affecting deferral decisions is to determine whether the deferral will have an adverse affect on teaching and learning. (MLF)

There are three statutes that may regulate a school's obligation to the asthmatic child. Analyzes school policies in interaction with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reviews school policies from the most restricted no-medication policies to schools…