The high school attendance policy instituted in 1977-78 in Malden (Massachusetts) mandated a failing grade of E for the seventh unexcused absence per quarter in each subject. (Author/JM)

An account of recent attitude and policy changes concerning pregnant students. The author appeals for an approach that opens futures and promotes inclusion and affection. (Author/JF)

Examines new institutional forms that support teachers' professional growth. Examines how existing arrangements can be redesigned to support reformers' visions and teachers' professional growth. Considers aspects of the larger education policy context that foster or impede teachers' incentives and ability to acquire new knowledge, skills, and…

In high schools, a conspiracy of silence shrouds the sexual orientation issue. Although the social atmosphere is vaguely supportive, fear and the realities of life cause most gays and lesbians to keep their sexual identities hidden. Homophobia can be addressed through staff development, support staff and services, inclusion of homosexual issues in…

At an October 1989 press conference, a group of 16 educational and religious groups issued a proposal to help school authorities deal with religious holidays. The coalition encouraged administrators to approach these holidays from an academic perspective and to avoid any promotion of beliefs or devotions. Religious music may be studied and sung to…

Productivity growth (and its connections with schools) may be mysterious, but experts continue to document an expanding U.S. economy. A University of Wisconsin study described in the Fall 1999 "ERS Spectrum" found a mismatch between teachers' actual and recommended grading practices. Maybe the literature is unreasonable. (MLH)

In late October 2000, Franklin Scott and Nicholas Thomas, 11th-graders at a high school in Alachua County, Florida, each displayed a Confederate flag on campus. Scott did so on his pickup truck, and Thomas did so on his T-shirt. The principal, Lamar Simmons, had given each of them a warning when they had engaged in such conduct earlier in the…

A style of bargaining for educators and school boards is described, based on rational inquiry, open discussion, and peaceful persuasion. (MF)

Presents findings from a 4-year study of 225 cases involving students' sexual abuse by teachers or other professional staff, based on interviews with superintendents, school attorneys, parents, and teachers. Although 39% of accused teachers left the district and 15% were terminated, few lost teaching licenses. Districts need firm policies, staff…

A complex case involving a disgruntled ex-employee's invasion of a college president's e-mail system resulted in a decision granting two plaintiffs' motions for summary judgment. This was the first recorded education-related collision on the electronic superhighway. Every educational institution should have a policy and procedure regarding what…

Discusses the importance of the good noninnovative'' high school in the educational system. (Author/DN)

A national survey measures and reports the attitudes of the public toward the public schools in 1970. (Author)

By focusing school schedules on teacher-directed instruction in reading and mathematics and developing a parallel-block master schedule, more efficient use can be made of classroom time without large expenditures of money or time for staff development. (DCS)