In Physics "critical mass" refers to the minimum amount of fissionable material required to sustain a chain reaction. The adoption of state education policy isn't often equated with this concept, but occasionally solutions and ideas seem to gather around a common problem. If the solution at hand is simple, easily understood, and…

The U.S. Supreme Court is applying a new legal standard in court actions involving students' constitutional rights. Instead of basing decisions on the "substantial interference" argument, the Court is giving school officials broad latitude to structure an environment in which students can both learn and develop "socially appropriate…

Describes two recent court cases that demonstrate the difficulty of balancing the emphasis on drug detection with the privacy rights of students. Concludes that school officials should not be quick to assume that reasonable suspicion exists. (IW)

Reviews the United States Supreme Court's findings in "New Jersey vs. T.L.O.," a case hinging on the reasonableness of a school official's search of a student's purse. Cites several issues that remained unresolved after the decision and argues that the court could have been more helpful. (PGD)

Proposes creation of a tongue-in-cheek award for those who would rather sue than try to resolve problems through negotiation and communication. Nominates specific cases tried in 1982, 1983, and 1984 to receive the award. (Author/PGD)

Reviews trends in U.S. Supreme Court decisions affecting schools before and since 1975. Notes that since 1975 emphasis has shifted away from the individual rights of school officials to run schools as they deem appropriate. Foresees upcoming litigation focusing on educational reforms. (PGD)

Educators are reluctant to report child abuse and neglect because they are not sure how abuse and neglect are defined, they are inadequately informed about the reporting process, and they fear prosecution. Most states make failure to report illegal, and courts tend to support educators making reports in good faith. (PGD)

Peter D. Roos comments in an interview on developments in the area of student rights in the 10 years since he successfully represented the plaintiff in "Goss vs. Lopez." (PGD)

A suggested solution to the copyright problem would allow producers and/or networks a limited tax write-off in exchange for the schools' rights to videocopy programs. (Author/IRT)

Discusses the implications of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, Pickering vs Board of Education, which reaffirmed teachers' right to freedom of speech in certain circumstances. (JF)

Abetted by the courts, the tide of anti-authoritarianism will not abate, and educators must devise strategies for dealing with it. Presents strategies consistent with the Madisonian concept of human rights. (Author)

Discusses a recent Supreme Court case that upheld State supermajority requirements for such items as bond elections and levies. (JF)

Twenty years after the Supreme Court's decision in "Abington v. Schempp," the public still needs help to understand the proper relationship between religion and public education. The "Schempp" case suggests guidelines; for example, certified school personnel should make decisions about the study of religion and such study…