The Department of Education, criticized by colleges for its guidelines on investigating racial harassment and hate-speech charges, will issue a new policy on First Amendment implications of such inquiries. A major issue is school responsibility for racial harassment by diverse populations over whom colleges may have little control. (MSE)

Discusses the issue of school safety and school-based crime, explores the parameters and causes of the safety problem, and reviews some responses for resolving safety issues. Journal articles addressing national and local school safety policies and practices are highlighted, as well as research on program implementation and implications. (GR)

Origins and persistent reasons for college sorority and fraternity hazing, particularly in black organizations, are examined, including desire for domination, links to childhood abuse, and homoeroticism. The influences of tradition, peer pressure, the need to belong, and desire for solidarity are also considered. Reviews recent research on the…

The recent escalation of zero-tolerance weapons policies was predicated on a (mis)perceived increase in school-related shootings. When administering such policies, principals should reaffirm the policy message, clarify consequences, be careful with evidence, clear their calendars, prepare a communication plan, and coordinate responses to the…

A pumpkin decorating exercise gave California sixth-graders a chance to discuss a problematic school policy on gangs, using Pablo Freire's problem-posing method. Since the policy failed to understand student views, it officially sanctioned and promoted silence. Student journals revealed how gang activity was woven into their world. (MLH)

In this article we summarize the planning and implementation of online distance learning programs at various community colleges in California. We examine six areas: the institutions' vision, curriculum and programs, staff training and support, student services, student training and support, and policies.

Universities are drawn to portals as an effective way of organizing and delivering campus services and information. In a university environment, where the desire for local autonomy and the impetus for centralization are in constant tension, a portal seems especially appealing because it allows local solutions through a shared medium. But the fact…

Distance learning is a growing trend. There were an estimated 3,077,000 enrollments in all distance education courses offered by two- and four-year institutions in 2000-2001. A survey by the National Center for Educational Statistics revealed that in 2000-2001, 56 percent of two- and four-year degree-granting institutions offered some type of…

This document outlines a plan for the effective employment of adjunct faculty at North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) based on existing policies and practices at Iowa's community colleges and at selected community colleges across the United States. Following a brief introduction, the plan describes NIACC's expectations for adjuncts' academic…

Focusing on prerequisites, corequisites, and advisories on recommended preparation for existing courses in California's Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District (GCCCD), this document explains new Title 5 regulations adopted by the district Board in October 1994 and provide guidelines for implementation. The following sections are provided:…

This packet of materials, which draws on findings from research conducted by the Scottish Council for Research in Education, is designed to help Scottish teachers improve discipline in the primary school and classroom. The packet contains three booklets: (1) "Action on Discipline throughout the School," which concentrates on promoting…

This packet of materials is designed to help Scottish teachers improve discipline in the secondary school and classroom. Based on research conducted by the Scottish Council for Research in Education (SCRE), it serves as a starting point to review discipline policy and practice. The packet contains three booklets: (1) "Action on Discipline…

Site-based decisionmaking is the concept of collaboration between school faculty and administration in planning, problem solving, and decision making in school policies and practices. One reason to implement this type of management is that school reform requires the involvement of all stakeholders in the educational process to be effective. During…

Many universities and colleges are moving from traditional on-campus teaching to also teaching online courses to distant students. Institutions face many challenges in supporting their distant students and need a holistic view of the support that distant students require. This paper proposes ways that institutions could meet these needs of online…

Aided by a 21-member Elementary Education Study Group, the Secretary of Education has prepared the first comprehensive report on elementary education in the United States in more than three decades. The report finds America's elementary schools in pretty good shape, and states that they do their job especially well in the early grades, only…