Reviews three sorts of converging evidence regarding dyslexic children's phonological processing difficulties: data from studies of spoken language impairments in dyslexic readers, evidence from the analysis of dyslexic reading and spelling skills, and evidence of phonological deficits that vary in severity and extent across the life-span in…

Provides a simple outline of theories addressing orthographic analogies in learning to read. Addresses some misunderstandings of the analogy approach. (RS)

Suggests that abandoning controlled vocabulary texts on the assumption that reading is a psycholinguistic guessing game was wrong. Claims that the current emphasis on strategy instruction, scaffolded reading experiences, and the use of writing to foster letter-sounds may provide good outcomes for those teachers and children who dreaded reading…

States that instructors of theatrical design are forced to adapt their teaching methods to suit new circumstances and situations. Points out that the controversy over the apparent decline of education has spread to the teaching of theatrical design. Describes some of the paradoxical theories being discussed. Presents ideas to "re-inspire" students…

Describes new ways to use the old game of musical chairs to teach basic acting skills. Presents several variations, including "start me up,""I will survive,""shake your bootie,""who are you?," and "don't know much about history." States that each exercise builds on the previous one, and can be used separately or together. (PA)

Reviews the status of Goals 2000, and how proposed funding cuts may affect reform efforts. Pleads for arts educators to remind themselves and the public of what their work and education reform are about. (PA)

Describes a successful project in Philadelphia that paired students from Germantown Friends School with children at the Home of the Merciful Savior School for Children with Cerebral Palsy. States that the arts staff at both schools composed a musical which the two schools performed together. Concludes that performing the musical taught acceptance…

A sampling of court cases illustrates situations in which the courts have extended the Reasonable Accommodation Standard into educational programming decisions. Addresses four topics: (1) admission, eligibility for services; (2) provision of supportive services; (3) program standards; and (4) behavioral standards. (59 footnotes) (MLF)

Religious educational institutions have enjoyed judicial and congressional protection for religious discrimination. Reviews legislation and case history. Proposes eliminating all discrimination on the basis of religion except where a religious educational institution is owned/controlled by a religious organization. (82 footnotes) (MLF)

As school-based decision making continues to be a popular governance option throughout the country, the recent decision of the Supreme Court of Kentucky in "Bushee," upholding the power and autonomy of school councils in relation to school boards, may act as a bellwether to other locations. (119 footnotes) (MLF)

Discusses the federal constitutional limits placed on school officials in various attempts to reduce crime in their schools. Describes searches of a student's person and belongings, school lockers, and the use of metal detectors. Possible pitfalls for schools in their efforts to reduce crime include due process requirements. (97 footnotes) (MLF)

Examines 15 cases dealing with dormitory searches covering a 31-year period to determine how the Fourth Amendment applies to dormitory searches. The prevailing consensus is that if a university says and thinks it has the right to conduct a search of a room for health, safety, and maintenance reasons, then, in most circumstances, it has this right.…

Examines 12 federal court decisions, 2 state-level appellate decisions, and 8 Letters of Finding from the U.S. Office for Civil Rights regarding the actual or alleged sexual harassment or abuse of school-age children by a school employee. Discusses litigation under Title IX and Section 1983, two federal statutes that provide students with tools…

An annotated outline provides recent case law in special education since the last update in this series. (MLF)

Discusses the uncertainty surrounding the application of the First Amendment to electronic bulletin boards, listservs, electronic conferences, and other exchanges of electronic information at public colleges and universities. Applies the notions of nonpublic forums and designated open forums to the computer network. (MLF)