Although disabled students in two major cases have won inclusionary placement in regular classes, numerous other "full inclusion" cases recently were decided in school districts' favor. This article provides a recent illustrative case (a disruptive student with ADHD and Tourette Syndrome) and a question/answer discussion about accompanying "least…

The Massachusetts Supreme Court overturned a lower court's ruling against a speech pathology teacher whose contract was not renewed following a parent's complaint. The teacher had explained 4-letter words to 13 year-olds, bringing them up in class, then discouraged further usage. Judges decided the teacher had acted creatively in response to…

Child abuse is an issue of growing public concern. Seven questions and answers are presented pertaining to the legal risks and responsibilities of school personnel in reporting cases of child abuse. (TE)

The role of privilege in defamation suits arising from the evaluation of public educators is explored in light of the "Manguso vs. Oceanside Unified School District" court case, in which a teacher brought a libel charge against a superintendent. (DCS)

Reviews key Supreme Court decisions on free speech rights of public employees. Advises school administrators to be vigilant in discipline or dismissal cases where freedom of speech is an issue. (MD)

Reviews recent court cases relating to student, school, and staff responsiblity regarding student activities. Includes discussions of regulations concerning student participation, limitations on participation based on conduct, charging fees, and liability in injury cases. (MD)

Civil libertarians and members of more conservative special interest groups have equally legitimate concerns for the educational needs of students attending public schools. The goals and desires of concerned citizens from both sides can be met if neither makes unreasonable demands upon each other. (MD)

Discusses current trends in court assessments of school rules that specify discipline for possession or use of proscribed substances or articles. (MCG)

Section 1983 of the U.S. Constitution provides individuals (including students) with the right to sue persons (including principals) acting "under color of law" for damages incurred in violation of their federal rights. This article examines two corporal punishment cases involving elementary school students involving possible due process…

Using a specific case, this article reviews some common areas of contract and tort law applicable to principals and employment practices in public and private schools. The question/answer format treats contract validity, negligent misrepresentation, and constitutionality issues involved in a case based on unfulfilled hiring promises. Includes four…

Illustrating the conflict surrounding teacher evaluation, two recent court cases are reviewed. The author draws three conclusions: follow rules closely in teacher termination proceedings, make sure evaluation requirements are met in incompetency terminations, and give teachers an opportunity for improvement. (MD)

A copyright infringement suit involving duplication of material for classroom use without permission or acknowledgement and related cases are discussed with reference to the fair use privilege, the Copyright Act of 1976, and congressional guidelines. Generally, fair use has been rejected as a blanket defense in classroom copying. (MJL)

This review of the work of Maryland's Commission on Values Education excerpts recommended student character and citizenship objectives and personnel policies for administrators, including policies requiring principals' leadership in values education. (MJL)

Liability in cases involving students injured off school property generally hinges on whether districts fail to exercise due care in supervising students while on school premises. Typical activities that may occasion liability for negligence and possible defenses are listed. (MJL)

Two recent cases in which federal courts held plaintiffs liable for defendants' attorney fees illustrate the courts' impatience with students and parents lodging suits judged frivolous. The conclusion is that, while school authorities must remain sensitive to students' constitutional rights, caution is urged in taking complaints to federal court.…