University researchers, campuses, federal agencies, and legislators are debating issues of disclosure of researcher interests in profits from research results, in order to avoid situations in which profitability may threaten the quality and conduct of scientific and medical research. Proposed National Institutes of Health guidelines are highly…

The move by the University of Wisconsin to adopt conduct codes prohibiting discriminatory harassment on campus is reviewed, and the arguments governing boards are likely to hear in any similar initiative are discussed. (MSE)

The American Technological University's pursuit of external funding through grants and contracts is described, and recommendations for staffing, policy, and practice related to sponsored programs are made. (MSE)

The chart essay is discussed as an effective technique that links specific research to real policy decisions and arranges answers for each question in a chart highlighting actual research data. A study of 515 high school seniors' extracurricular activities illustrates use of this report form. (SLD)

The American Council on Education's guidelines are summarized to help boards formulate needed, comprehensive policies on alcohol and drug abuse in all aspects of campus life. (MSE)

The implications for colleges of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination against individuals with physical disabilities, are examined. The scope of the law, sections of special relevance to higher education institutions, and appropriate responses are discussed. A plan for policy formation and administrative action is…

College trustees have a responsibility to institute investment policies that preserve real endowment value. The chief financial officer's responsibility varies, but at a minimum should provide the board with essential information and ensure that trustees understand the importance of policy decisions. Critical tasks include establishing and…

Developing an Internet acceptable use policy is the first step in bringing technological change to the classroom. This article defines educator's proactive responsibilities and provides a policy shell (privilege, "netiquette," security, vandalism, legal issues, warranties, and user agreements) to formulate individual school policies.…

Describes the development of alternative assessments being used successfully at two North Carolina elementary schools, noting the active participation of teachers in their development. From commonalities among the assessments, a seven-step, practice-based model was adapted and evaluated. The model highlights faculty buy-in, leadership, staff…

This article discusses some of the major challenges school districts face in implementing functional behavioral assessments (FBAs). A school improvement initiative, "Success4," is presented to illustrate an Iowa approach. Arguments are presented for fundamental changes in order to enhance school district effectiveness and accountability…

Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) members must realize that sound admissions policies are the first step toward high quality education. DETC members should be willing to examine the need for qualification-based admissions policies like those used by "traditional" schools. Admission is critical to outcomes assessment because…

This digest is based on a full-length report (with the same title) on advisory committees to universities and colleges. Under decreased resources and increased pressures for more accountability, advisory committees are an effective way for colleges and universities to connect with their environments. An advisory committee is a group of volunteers…

This report addresses the advisory committee's role in the administration of institutions of higher education. Under decreased resources and increased pressures for more accountability, advisory committees are an effective way to help connect universities and colleges to their environments. Advisory committees may range from those that consult to…

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…

An analysis of the process by which the results of research and evaluation studies are utilized in the formation of educational policy is the purpose of this paper. Based on a case study of a large urban public school's implementation of a dress code policy, four interrelated factors are identified that affect policy formation and data…