There has been a sharp turnaround in the passing rate of students in Dade County, Florida, on a state-mandated test required for graduation from high school. The passing rate, which rose from 59% to 66%, is attributed to a countywide push to make students aware of the test's importance and create the best test-taking conditions possible. (MLH)

Florida elementary school principal Jack Currie believes in unorthodox loving behavior toward children, including cuddling, kissing, and telling them he cares. Unconcerned about litigation risks, Currie is an outspoken advocate for personalized child protection services and bearish about disrespectful behavior and bureaucratic red tape. He…

To identify applicants with past criminal records, 22 states have passed laws making F.B.I. checks mandatory for teacher certification. Because many teachers are affronted by background checks and fingerprinting, unions often block this type of proposed legislation. Insets provide tips on avoiding defamation and negligent hiring charges and on…

Until recently, school executives have been too busy responding to growing school violence to worry about their own safety. Although teachers and students are most common targets, recent murders of three superintendents and an assistant principal show top administrators are vulnerable to misdirected anger and frustration. Administrators should not…

With home schooling legal everywhere and many home-schoolers reaching high school age, state legislatures are considering whether and how to encourage "mix-and-match" schooling. In some areas, discussion centers on access to academic classes only. In others, attention is on eligibility to participate in sports or extracurricular…