Presents five arguments against requiring seat belts on school buses, including the need for better trained drivers, the danger that students will be trapped by seat belts in emergencies, and other problems relating to practicality and cost. Included is an editorial insert indicating how safety advocates respond to such objections. (JBM)

State departments of health and education were asked to describe state laws, regulations, legal opinions, and guidelines concerning the dispensation of prescription medications to students in school. State laws and policies dealing with liability risks, persons who can give medicines, and drug management procedures are reported. (PP)

A survey of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba superintendents' perceptions of control exercised by departments of education, school boards, superintendents' offices, principals and teachers shows a gradual and yet growing influence of teachers and principals on decisions affecting education. Also reflects projected trend in…

Events in the 10-year debate over school closings in Seattle, Washington, are chronicled. The Seattle Board of Education attempted to close 18 schools but had to reshape its policies in the face of massive community opposition. The need for efficient property management is stressed. (PP)

Examines effects of several federal categorical programs and civil rights mandates on schools/school districts. Concluded that federal and state policies for special populations have (1) improved and expanded services for target students, and (2) increased the structural complexity of schools and districts. The study also found that overtime costs…

A discussion focuses on the emergence of collective bargaining in the public sector, the prevalence of bureaucratic climates in school districts, and the realization that conflict is a variable dependent on organizational climate and structure. (FG)

Case studies of community opposition to school closure decisions in 65 school districts indicated the tendency for opposition to be greater in districts where planning was more comprehensive; in communities where incompabilities were perceived between the superintendent and the board of education; and in urban versus suburban and rural areas. (MJL)

The civil service standard that is the basis for most public school employment decisions conflicts with the assumption of tenure statutes that no teacher should be reappointed or given tenure if a better teacher can be hired. Schools have a legal responsibility to hire the best available teacher. (Author/MLF)

Although the Ann Arbor decision was based on a very narrow issue, the evidence used by the court in arriving at the decision is significant as a basis for future court actions in other circumstances. (HOD)

States need to make a careful review of all instructional programs in order to determine whether each program in each state university meets an urgent state need, meets a defined standard of quality, and meets a viable standard of performance effectiveness as well as cost efficiency. (MLW)

After recognizing the failures of the educational system to meet student needs, the Utah State Board of Education mandated annually reviewed individual education plans, modeled on those required under the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, for all students. This article reviews this program, its implementation, and its accomplishments.…

Details cooperative agreements to finance new schools drawn up by growing school districts in Colorado and the corporations whose activities are responsible for that growth. The developers of an oil shale project and a tract housing project lent school districts money under very favorable terms. (JM)

Lists the things that school board members need to know in order to understand and make a positive contribution toward contract negotiations. (JM)

Describes Ku Klux Klan recruiting and literature dissemination activities in schools and communities and two particularly difficult conflicts caused by Klan activities in Meriden (Connecticut) and East Baton Rouge (Louisiana). Explains the legal issues involved and possible board and administrator responses to such activities and conflicts.…

All educators, legislators, and citizens must engage in self-examination to resolve some of the value conflicts in our society that contribute to today's crisis in education. Suggestions are offered to school board members, administrators, teachers, public officials, and citizens for ways they can help improve the educational system. (Author/WD)