When developing policies governing student athletic participation, schools should consider six safeguards: requiring a thorough medical examination and parental disclosure concerning serious health problems, securing medical approval, specifying that life-threatening health conditions prevent participation, requiring postinjury reexaminations, and…

Few schools have policies to deal specifically with herpes and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Discusses some schools and states that have developed such policies and includes a source list for more information. (MD)

Recent events in Florida, California, and other states suggest that school equipment purchasing is fraught with scandal and risk. This article recommends putting district policies in writing, carefully selecting bidders, timing bids to avoid peak periods, and resisting personalized incentives. Sidebars detail model purchasing guidelines and…

Dissatisfied with their school's attendance rate, an Iowa high school formed a committee to explore the problem and draft a strong, well-defined policy to communicate expectations. The committee also worked with the school community and parents to change students' attitudes toward school attendance. (MLH)

Outlines the health hazards of smoking and reviews policies on student and staff smoking in schools. Provides five steps for implementing policy on smoking and tobacco use. Also discusses prohibition of smoking by school staff and board members and a survey for evaluating student attitudes on smoking policy. (MD)

Recent events in the Milwaukee (Wisconsin) public schools show how purchasing practices can get out of hand--especially in the high-stakes educational technology market. Before a temporary freeze on purchasing, teachers and principals were under siege by vendors bypassing the district's central purchasing program. A new policy governing…

Research findings indicate that ability grouping does not help remedial students. Cites research studies in mathematics achievement that consistently imply that ability grouping in mathematics harms low-ability and average students. Urges schools to cease grouping students by their supposed abilities. (MLF)

In an Oklahoma case, absence of a documented drug problem among students in nonathletic extracurricular activities led the10th Circuit Court to strike down the district's policy as unreasonable and unconstitutional. Imposing random, suspicionless drug-testing policies for all students attending school might violate the Fourth Amendment. (MLH)

Reviews the 1980 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines defining sexual harassment as a form of sex discrimination. Advises 11 steps, including creating clear-cut policies and guidelines to help school officials deal with the problem. Insets offer policy "pointers" and several recommendations for staff members desiring to counter…

To manage schools effectively, administrators must first have a strong set of policies that guard against legal entanglements, define student rights and responsibilities, and guide student conduct. Lists the topics that such policies should address. (WD)

A broad outline is provided of 12 of the basics that form the framework for any successful school antidrug program. Each one is illustrated by case studies culled from the 47 programs that received the United States Department of Education's second annual drug-free school recognition award (1988-89). (MLF)

Outlines steps toward developing a sound superintendent evaluation system, including setting priorities, using policy as a guide, using job descriptions, setting expectation standards, defining effectiveness, designing rating systems, conducting the evaluation, holding a frank discussion, and encouraging honest communication. (MLH)

Urges policymakers to examine and update their school system's child abuse reporting policy. Such policies must be adequate to help endangered children, protect their right to privacy, and avoid overprotection. Advises on ways to protect staff against unnecessary accusations and develop inservice training programs discussing child abuse, state…

Discusses issues in school "pay-to-play" policies, the charging of fees for sports or other extracurricular activities, as a fund-raising strategy in response to budget shortfalls. Fees sometimes discourage economically disadvantaged students from participating and place pressure on parents. (LMI)

Because child abusers can be found everywhere (even in schools) and children do not easily report abuse, board members are advised to know the law, stay informed about preventive programs, lobby for teacher education changes, foster inservice programs, develop firm policies, educate children, and check employment references. (MLH)