The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act has deep roots in the civil rights movement; however, the legislation, as currently applied, has done little to address racial inequities in services students with disabilities receive. Too often, schools, districts, and states focus on complying with the regulations, while failing to make necessary…

For many decades, most of the decision-making authority in public schools has been vested in individual principals and other administrators. However, new models of collaborative teacher leadership are beginning to emerge, thanks to four trends: 1) evidence on the positive effects of teacher leadership continues to mount, 2) districts and state…

Wealthy parents in public school districts across the country are engaged in elaborate fund-raising efforts to improve the quality of education in their children's schools, giving them an advantage over families in schools without the same level of access to external resources. Through evaluating parent responses to district policies that address…

Discusses the issues and challenges facing school boards in the current educational reform climate. Summarizes the findings and recommendations resulting from the Institute for Educational Leadership (Washington, DC) national study of local school boards. (MD)

Educators have a responsibility to learn as much as they can about the relationship between nutrition and the teaching/learning process. This article presents a model to help local school boards draw up their own policy statements. (Author/WD)

A review of court decisions reveals that educational policy is being increasingly influenced by law and that the control of local boards of education is decreasing. Federal, State, and local court opinions are creating "court-made policy." (DW)

Educational decisions will increasingly be made at the State rather than at the local level; here are implications for school leaders. (Author/JN)

Discusses recent Third Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Pennsylvania case supporting claim that State College Area School District's anti-harassment policy violated two students' First Amendment right of free expression because it was overbroad. Draws lessons for public school officials. (PKP)

After contract terms are agreed upon by teachers and school boards, an everyday harmonious relationship must still be established. (LR)

A statement of policy which emphasizes due process but focuses discussion on the expulsion itself. (Author)

School boards may permit incumbent teacher unions access to mailboxes while prohibiting rival unions such access. Dissenting justices argued that exclusive access is discrimination and amounts to censorship and infringement of the First Amendment. School boards should consider carefully before granting exclusive access to incumbent unions. (PB)

Recounts the case of "Turk v. Franklin Special School District" in Tennessee, in which the board's dismissal of a teacher was reversed by the Tennessee Supreme Court because the board failed to follow its own dismissal procedures and because the particular drunk driving conviction did not warrant dismissal. (RW)

This stringent promotion/retention policy has retained two to three times more students than before implementation. Further, the academic performance of retained students substantially improved between the year prior to retention and year following promotion. The policy is being well accepted by the community. (PB)