A federal case from Wooster, Ohio, illustrates the tension facing school boards and administrators when they deal with student expression. Explains the judge's reasoning about the issues involving First Amendment rights of student editors and the policies and relevant free-speech principles. (MLF)

Teams of seasoned teachers and administrators were assigned to a group of low-performing North Carolina schools each year to work with the local faculty to help turn around these schools. Provides a description of the assistance teams, how they were developed, and how they work. (Author/MLF)

"Impressions," a K-6 reading series that is a lavishly illustrated anthology of fairy tales, poems, and classic children's literature has been the target of conservative religious groups. Other books and programs have also been actively opposed. School boards need sound policies for dealing with challenges to the curriculum and the…

The Supreme Court's ruling in "Betts" gives employers wide latitude in structuring benefit plans and should strengthen the confidence of school boards that wish to offer age-based retirement incentives. (MLF)

Leadership for school improvement should start with school boards. Suggestions for board members include the following: (1) know what is happening in the schools; (2) set both short-range and long-range goals for schools; (3) build good communications; (4) conduct an ongoing curriculum evaluation; (5) inspire teamwork and leadership; and (6) take…

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)

As school-based decision making continues to be a popular governance option throughout the country, the recent decision of the Supreme Court of Kentucky in "Bushee," upholding the power and autonomy of school councils in relation to school boards, may act as a bellwether to other locations. (119 footnotes) (MLF)

School attorneys interpret state and federal laws, head off expensive lawsuits, and defend their districts aggressively in court. Offers advice on how to find and keep a good attorney. Contains a sample advertisement for the position. (MLF)

An Indiana school board achieves success in site-based management by fair consideration of decisions made by school planning teams. Advises boards contemplating school-based management to (1) be a team player; (2) develop trust; (3) not bend to interest groups; (4) have patience; (5) set criteria for proposals; and (6) grant waivers to district…

Migrant education still has not solved the challenge of families moving in and out of many school districts during a school year. Federal funding has lagged behind the number of children identified as eligible for migrant education programs. Describes a database for tracking the nation's migrant students and cites some effective state and local…

Teacher unions have pushed beyond bargaining over teacher welfare issues to include participation in education policy and decision making. Offers suggestions for school boards to deal with curriculum and instruction issues creeping into contract negotiations. (MLF)

To fight against child sexual abuse, many school districts are offering personnel training sessions, developing and circulating policies and procedures, and showing students how to avoid becoming victims of sexual abuse. Cites what to do when the abuser is a school employee, where to get help, and how to keep tabs on abusers through the Educator…

Among the current crop of business leadership manuals, the six reviewed are applicable for school leaders as well. Themes of effective employee management and motivation, personal responsibility, and having the ability to initiate and implement constructive change are among the common threads running through the books. Information on ordering the…

A pullout desk reference of key school statistics, this 10th annual edition provides a review of the year's big stories in education; key indicators of school performance and progress in areas such as test scores and educational technology; school construction and school bond issues; demographic profiles of school board members and school…

Based on a study of five major school systems, concludes following about site-based management: it is a reform of entire system; it will lead to real changes only if it is basic reform strategy; it will evolve over time and develop distinctive characters, goals, operating styles; it requires rethinking of accountability; parental choice is…