Asserting that school buildings under renovation and even newly built schools may have polluted indoor environments that cause health problems and hinder learning, this guide introduces special education and anti-discrimination laws designed to remove barriers to education for children with disabilities such as chronic health impairments. The…

Examines the problems of drugs and violence in public schools, with focus on urban schools and the national initiatives and federal laws influencing school practices along with relevant court cases. Final comments discuss the implications for policy and practice. (GR)

Explores the current status of federal special education law as it relates to discipline for students with disabilities in public schools. Designed to help local school administrators be equipped to successfully implement school discipline while being in compliance with the regulations' mandates. (Contains 19 references.) (MLF)

One eager reporter plus a media-savvy parent can undermine a school system's image and educational mission. Districts are hampered by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which prohibits open discussion of an issue concerning a student and his/her parents. Newsworthy incidents illustrate advantages of a waiver policy. (MLH)

Designed to address school safety concerns, the Unsafe School Choice Option (USCO) is another less publicized and brief component of the No Child Left Behind legislation, the centerpiece of Pres George W. Bush's educational agenda. The legislation mandates that state education agencies and local education agencies develop policies and procedures…

This document represents the annual report card of the U.S. Department of Education's efforts and outcomes during fiscal year 2007. This year's report builds on efforts to increase transparency, and more effectively communicate goals and objectives. The report emphasizes achievements and challenges associated with implementing the Department of…

The Commissioner's annual report provides the Legislature with information reported by school districts concerning incidents of serious student misconduct grouped into the following four major reporting categories: violence, vandalism, weapons, and substance abuse. An analysis of trends yields indications of progress and of ongoing concern, and…

Year after year, the goal of educators, parents, and concerned citizens throughout Alabama is to provide this state's children with the highest level of quality education possible. The future of Alabama's businesses, industries, commerce, labor force, arts, humanities, and countless other areas are determined by the education that is provided to…

This publication provides a summary and update of school bus-safety activities conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This report discusses Congressional mandates and NHTSA's actions to improve school-bus safety (which include programs that affect human behavior and motor-vehicle safety performance), the magnitude…

This publication is a compilation of five papers that were originally presented at the 1975 National Conference of the College and University Safety Educators Association. Most of the booklet consists of the text of these papers; also included are a copy of the conference agenda and a complete roster of conference participants. The five papers…

Nationwide, schools, communities, parents and students recognize the continuing need to make schools a safe place, an environment where children can learn without fear for their safety. In the past few years, the available research on violence prevention has increased, providing legislators with important information about effective violence…

A review of the literature on special education and school discipline in light of the 1997 Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act finds little evidence to support student suspension and expulsion. Support is offered for a unified system of discipline that preserves both a free and appropriate public education and a safe…

The strategic goals and objectives set forth in the Department of Education's "FY (Fiscal Year) 2002-2007 Strategic Plan" form the context for the broad outcomes that the Department believes should characterize American education. The Department administers more than 150 programs in support of these goals and objectives. This "FY 2007 Program…

The U.S. Department of Education's Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention publishes "Catalyst," a newsletter covering current Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence (AODV) prevention issues at institutions of higher education. "Catalyst" discusses emerging issues and highlights innovative efforts on…

This document is intended to provide guidance to schools in the discipline of students with disabilities in compliance with regulations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Chapters address the following topics (sample sub-topics in parentheses): (1) basics of discipline under Section 504 (common mistakes districts make when…