This article urges districts to meet federal regulations and protect students and staff from hazardous asbestos and reviews medical risks, compliance procedures, costs of asbestos removal, consequences of noncompliance, legal ramifications, and contacts for further information. (MJL)

Children can suffer serious injuries in falls from standard playground equipment, especially if they land on a hard surface. Parents can: (1) form safety committees; (2) demand safer playground surfaces; (3) remove equipment deemed hazardous according to Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines; and (4) support the purchase of safer…

Chemicals, asbestos, lead, and other substances used in classrooms, labs, art studios, and school lunchrooms pose risks to both students and teachers. Yet little is being done in a comprehensive manner to eliminate these risks. (Author/GC)

A decision by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a case from Minnesota illustrates the difficulties schools face in deciding when and how to search a student for possible weapons or drugs. Case shows courts tend to give school officials a measure of flexibility when applying the law. Advises board members and administrators to consult with…

A college's disciplinary proceedings are teaching mechanisms. They take advantage of the rare "teachable moment" in crisis to both respond to an act and carry out the institution's primary mission by influencing the student's understanding of right and wrong, thus creating or strengthening the student's understanding of ethics and values.…

Discusses establishing a new basis for discipline in U.S. high schools, and suggests making high school voluntary to increase the number of students who really want to be in school. Another suggestion is to find ways to introduce adults into the classrooms to boost the authority of classroom teachers. (SLD)

Despite the school shooting on December 1, 1997, under current state law in Kentucky, school officials and administrators are not likely to be held accountable, even for ignoring the most obvious of warning signs. There should no longer be the rule barring liability that is called sovereign immunity. Instead, the court should examine the actions…

A survey of U.S. teens (15,877 middle and high school students) reported that more than one in three students (39 percent of middle schoolers and 26 percent of high schoolers) said that they do not feel safe in schools. Thirty-seven percent of middle school boys and 43 percent of high school boys believed that it was appropriate to hit or threaten…

In an emergency response to the recent spree of school shootings, a group of experts came together to draft a national action plan on school violence and children. Participants included: almost 60 members of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Leadership; several mayors from communities which had recently experienced school shootings; police chiefs;…

Students need to know the difference between snitching to get someone in trouble and disclosing disturbing information to save lives, prevent harm, or right a wrong. Elements in the school culture that would encourage students to confide in adults include trust, adults in close proximity, positive school climate, information hotlines, and…

Suggests that educators view youth violence in terms of health and science rather than politics and philosophy. Considers 11 ways to help curb violence; e.g., emphasize primary prevention, expect complex problems to require complex solutions, intervene early, focus on children, work with the community, recognize the relationship between safe…

Includes "Planning Laboratory Design" (Storm); "Perkins Money for Automotive Programs" (Cash); "Stretching a Budget" (Warren); "Video Teleconferencing--Powerful Communication for Occupational Educators" (Major); "Danger: Hazardous Materials" (Brown); and "Keeping Facilities Safe--Electrical…

Examines the impact of the 1981 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines for playground safety. Although compliance with the guidelines has not stemmed the rising number of accidents, it has enhanced awareness. This article offers an action plan which all communities can use to help alleviate liability problems. (SM)

Recounts interview with a retired middle school principal and administrator, discussing ways to promote a safe educational environment by building a school community, including advisory programs, early intervention, curriculum, extended school day, smaller schools, and achievement for all students. Includes a biography for Bourgeois. (JPB)

Presents an interview with Drs. Carolyn J. Palmer and Robert A. Rhoads regarding campus violence and campus activism. Describes a rise in relationship violence (involving dating partners, roommates, classmates, etc.) since the 1960s, as well as a rise in binge drinking and the use of weapons on campus. Differentiates between campus violence and…