Reporting and investigating research misconduct can lead to disciplinary proceedings being initiated, and ultimately to disciplinary sanctions being imposed on convicted scientists. The conversion of research misconduct findings into disciplinary sanctions is poorly understood. This article analyses all the disciplinary decisions handed down on…

Little research exists that examines the exercise of discretion by principals in their disciplinary decision making. This study sought to understand the application of values by principals as they engage in student disciplinary decision making within legally fixed parameters of their administrative discretion. This qualitative methodology used…

Special education litigation remains a volatile area with significant practice implications. A review of the 2010 case law in the "Special Educator" identified discipline (manifestation determination, seclusion and restraints, harassment), evaluation/RTI, and postsecondary transition as specific areas of concern. School administrators should keep…

The purpose of this article is to draw on the findings of two related studies about school discipline. The first study, a national survey of school law issues, indicated that over 37% of administrators report handling discipline either frequently or daily. The results of the second study, a content analysis of 64 written codes of conduct commonly…

The Internet is a valuable educational tool being utilized in many classrooms today. However, Internet and computer policies restrict and limit how the Internet and computer can be used in a school. An Internet and computer policy typically limits students to use the Internet and computer for educational purposes. If a student violates this policy…

School personnel need to learn about the outcomes of controversial education cases. Research on school law knowledge indicates that teachers and students would benefit from learning the basic principles of school law. (six references) (MLF)

Findings from a U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention-sponsored project, Using the Law to Improve School Order and Safety, are reviewed in this conference report. The conference agenda included presentation of the purpose, activities, and results of the project; reactions from a participating principal;…

This report is intended to serve school administrators by providing basic information, positive suggestions, and examples pertaining to student codes. It presents findings of a recent inquiry regarding written codes of student discipline and replicates examples of selected codes. Seventy-six percent of the 538 responding school systems indicated…

This report presents commentaries on the legal aspects of student rights and on some of the disciplinary measures utilized by public schools. It proposes legislation designed to assure that schools, in shaping their disciplinary policies, will conform to the framework of existing constitutional law and recent court cases. A related document is EA…

Discusses recent federal court rulings setting minimal procedural requirements governing the administration of student discipline by school officials. (JG)

An edited version of federal district court Judge William O. Bertelsman's opinion in "Bahr vs. Jenkins" reveals his thinking on the courts' self-restraint in cases affecting school administrators' authority when disciplining students. The opinion also discusses, in an informal style, the rights and responsibilities of parties in such…

This report points up the infringement on student constitutional rights by Washington State public schools. To remedy the situation, the report proposes State legislation guaranteeing the substantive rights of students. The proposed legislation is presented together with explanatory and supportive statements. A related document is EA 003 787. (JF)

In "Bethel," the Supreme Court essentially extended the reach of the ordinary discipline code to serve objectives that are part of the perceived educational mission. Citizenship of students is as important to the education process as academic concerns, according to recent decisions. (seven references) (MLF)

The Sixth Circuit Court approved an expulsion process even though the student was "convicted" on hearsay testimony alone and denied the opportunity to confront and cross-examine witnesses. The explanation and rationale for the court's orientation is viewed against prior case law. (MLF)

Suspension rates in Ontario schools are high compared to British figures, low compared to American ones. The first of two sections presents an overview of the current status of school suspensions, including legal considerations, statistics regarding the number of students affected by suspension, characteristics of students who are suspended and…