Schools should be safe, nurturing, and welcoming environments for all students. Frequently, exclusionary school discipline practices, which remove students from the classroom--even for minor infractions of school rules--through suspension or expulsion, prevent students from participating fully in their education. Suspensions, expulsions, and other…

The spread of zero tolerance policies for school-based scenarios flourished under President William J. Clinton who wanted to close a loophole in the Guns-Free School Zones Act of 1990. Expansion in the coverage of zero tolerance policy to offenses outside the initial scope of weapon and drug offenses has led to a disproportional ratio of African…

The West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE), recognizing the need for safe and supportive schools, revised its policy regarding student conduct. The result, "Expected Behaviors in Safe and Supportive Schools" (WVBE Policy 4373, effective July 1, 2012), put forth the behaviors expected of West Virginia's students; the rights and…

The Virginia Board of Education's "Student Conduct Policy Guidelines" were first developed in 1994 in response to action by the 1993 General Assembly requiring the Virginia Board of Education to establish such guidelines. In 2004, the "Guidelines" underwent a major revision in response to requirements of § 22.1-279.6. of the…

This article discusses the representation and participation of disabled students in the development of higher education policy and provision within the UK, at both a national and institutional level. Findings are drawn from a doctoral study, which identified the importance of student participation in securing equality and inclusion. Power…

The four P's of policy (philosophy, principles, procedures, and performance) are discussed within a framework for developing special needs policies in British schools. Elements of a special educational needs policy are listed, and examples of statements which might be included in a school's special needs policy are provided. (DB)

Written for and by principals, the guide provides a framework for developing school policies which encourage partnership with the parents of handicapped children. The first two sections focus on the principal's role in family impact analysis and characteristics of families with handicapped children as they relate to the school. The next section…

Survey of state directors of special education in 50 states and District of Columbia gathered data on provision of extended school year (ESY) services to students with handicaps within legal framework of Public Law 94-142 and Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Recommendations are presented for development of ESY policy reflecting current…

This publication on reviewing existing vocational education programs is the third in the Self-Help series of five booklets designed for Alaska administrators and teachers to improve vocational services provided to handicapped pupils. It begins with a checklist of implications for administrators and teachers. Reasons for program review and some…

This paper reviews the literature which examines school policies currently guiding educational practice in the area of student substance abuse and discusses the relationship between special education and substance-using and substance-abusing students. Reviewed are: (1) definitions of substance abuse, which vary with the conceptualization of the…

Presents the legal requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in disciplining students with disabilities, describes IDEA's requirement that school officials address student problem behavior in the Individualized Education Program, and offers recommendations regarding the formation of school district policies and…

A study investigated inclusion policies and practices of 12 British local education authorities (LEAs). Results found six overlapping and interconnecting themes that seem to be crucial to the development of more inclusive practices within LEAs: policy development, funding strategies, process and structures, the management of change, partnerships,…

Explores legal issues for colleges and universities in responding to disabled students' requests to participate in intercollegiate athletics, outlines statutory requirements of relevant federal legislation, gives an overview of recent case law, and analyzes how institutions can best address the requirements. Concludes that schools must make all…

This manual is designed to provide a convenient working tool for those having questions about the applicability of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to their work, their children, or their clients. It answers the most frequently asked questions concerning student records in the broad spectrum of education programs, explains the…

Court decisions in Pennsylvania and other states have determined the need for extended school year services for some exceptional children. Educational considerations in determining eligibility criteria for such services are discussed, and recommendations are provided to assist states and local school districts in establishing appropriate policies…