Rapid development of new technologies has outpaced the development of related law, leaving educators in doubt about the management of copyright, privacy, liability, and security. A key provision of facilitating a healthy and safe environment for technology use is the school district's "Acceptable Use Policy" (AUP), which states that use…

Lists the American Association of School Administrators' criteria for judging whether school building renovation is a sound investment. Eight categories should be investigated: historical information, architectural characteristics, material integrity, regulatory codes, and structural, mechanical, electrical, and educational adequacy. (Author/JM)

The legal concept of negligence is explained and suggestions made to the principal on school safety policies. (SJL)

Presents a policy regarding HIV-infected athletes that was developed by Ithaca College (New York). The policy emphasizes that HIV-positive athletes should not be restricted from athletic participation for the reason of infection alone, that strict confidentiality should be followed, and that mandatory testing of athletes for HIV is not justified.…

Explores the current status of federal special education law as it relates to discipline for students with disabilities in public schools. Designed to help local school administrators be equipped to successfully implement school discipline while being in compliance with the regulations' mandates. (Contains 19 references.) (MLF)

Described is a demonstration science laboratory at the University of Florida. Discussed is laboratory design, including instructional space, lab stations, sink areas, safety areas, and a storage and distribution area. The impact of this type of design is cited. Diagrams and photographs are included. (CW)

Findings from a survey of 20 liberal arts colleges which did not have graduate programs in chemistry are presented. Discussed are regulations, actions taken and costs of academic laboratories regarding the disposal of hazardous waste. (CW)

Though most people assume that their schools are protected by smoke alarms and sprinkler systems, many are not. Older schools can fall through fire-code loopholes. Some schools have insufficient fire detection systems. Sprinkler systems can be too expensive for schools. Parents should educate themselves and insist on fire safety. (SM)

Discusses the following issues: (1) implications of the Americans with Disabilities Act; (2) Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act regulations; (3) new lead guidelines; (4) requirements regarding underground storage tanks; (5) potential indoor air quality requirements; and (6) Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines. (MLF)

Describes efforts by the Westport (Massachusetts) High School's publications staff to cover violence in their school and in their small town. Notes the student newspaper devoted 16 pages over five issues in the spring of 1999 to violence in schools and among high school-aged students. (RS)

Describes how "The Lakewood Times" (Lakewood, Ohio) covered the shootings at Columbine High School. Suggests that the newspaper covered the story differently than other media by taking many different angles to the story. (RS)

Describes how the student newspaper staff at Rocky Mountain High School covered the shootings at Columbine High School (Littleton, Colorado, only 70 miles away). Notes that the students published a six-page special edition in only two days, instead of a larger edition later on, in an attempt to bring peace to the students and provide a means to…

This paper describes collaborative processes and strategies teachers of students with emotional/behavioral disorders can employ to plan effectively for the management of student crisis episodes. Also, legal requirements pertaining to positive behavioral support are described and individual and system responses regarding effective crisis planning…

Describes a positive approach to preventing and reducing violence in Hawaiian schools that focuses on building a set of social and emotional strengths that serve to preclude or inhibit the occurrence of antisocial behavior. Components of this approach include connecting with family and peers, promoting emotional literacy, cognitive behavioral…

This article discusses factors related to antisocial behavior in school and provides the following suggestions for prevention of antisocial behavior and dropouts: reduce punitive methods of control, provide clear rules, assure support for educators, minimize academic failure experiences, teach social skills, use appropriate behavior management…