As part of its consideration of the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the House Subcommittee on Elementary, Secondary, and Vocational Education met to address the need to maintain schools as safe learning environments. The Safe Schools Act of 1993 had been introduced as the administration's effort to help deal with…

This document presents transcripts of testimony on provisions related to schools in the Lead Exposure Reduction Act of 1992 (H.R. 5730). Statements are presented by: (1) James Murphy, Superintendent of Schools, Bayonne, New Jersey, and Legislative Chairperson, American Association of School Administrators; (2) Vaughn Barber, Law Department,…

Asbestos, a mineral known to cause cancer in humans, is present in an unknown number of schools where it may be hazardous to the health of students and employees. Although the Federal Government has programs designed to address the asbestos situation, it has not determined in what specific circumstances asbestos is a hazard. Therefore, State and…

This document provides teachers with sources of information about the nature, hazards, detection, and control of asbestos. Because many school buildings include asbestos-containing materials, teachers and other school personnel must be aware of the potential dangers to students and to themselves and take steps to have asbestos hazards contained or…

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (1970) concerns private schools but does not directly affect the operations of public schools or colleges. The intent, however, is to have the States develop and administer their own health and safety programs. Administrators should, therefore, initiate a comprehensive, districtwide safety education and…

This document reports the hearings held by the Committee on Education and Labor's General Subcommittee on Education in New York, N.Y. and Boston, Mass. on two bills. One, H. R. 3101, is a bill to assist school districts reduce crime against children, employees, and facilities in the elementary and secondary schools by providing financial…

This report of the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources favorably recommends the passage of amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to reauthorize and improve the act. Specific recommended improvements include: (1) decreasing paperwork, (2) providing increased flexibility and lower costs in the delivery of services,…

This document presents many of the federal, state, and New York City laws that apply to the health, safety, and environmental conditions of schools. The relevant portions of the law have been selected along with the mechanisms of legal enforcement that may exist and contact information where applicable. Legislative categories covered include air…

A five-part article describes and analyzes the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and a behavioral intervention technique called "positive behavioral interventions, supports, and strategies" (PBS). Suggests guidelines for applying PBS within the framework of IDEA, especially as it applies to discipline of students covered…

Each month, "American School & University" provides a mix of thought-provoking features, how-to-articles, industry reports, exclusive surveys, new sections, insightful columns, new product introductions and case histories to assist education officials in better performing their jobs. This December 2004 issue includes the following:…

Community college students, like students in all of higher education, find their relationship with the college defined by contract. However, this contract is shaped and influenced by rights granted under state and federal constitutions and statutes. Knowing what these rights are can assist college officials in avoiding unnecessary litigation.

School violence can lead to a disruptive and threatening environment, physical injury, and emotional stress, all of which can be obstacles to student achievement. Educators have responded to the perceived threat of school violence by implementing programs designed to prevent, deter, and respond to the potential for violence in schools. In…

Colleges and universities long ago made the necessary accommodations and structural changes necessary to allow students with physical impairments to attend and eventually complete their studies. Students with physical impairments enjoy a full range of accommodations. However, the issues of disability and accommodation continue to evolve as more…

The Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education recognizes the importance of safe, functional, well-utilized, and well-maintained facilities in supporting institutional efforts to provide exemplary programs. This principle forms the basis for the Commission's capital construction budget recommendations and prioritization for the 2007-2009…

This guide from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services in the U.S. Department of Education is designed to assist school administrators in understanding the challenges faced in creating safe, effective learning environments, whole school practices that have dramatically increased effective learning environments, and under what…