Abstract This paper presents and discusses the 1988 case of "HazelwoodSchoolDistrict v. Kuhlmeier" where three former students of Hazelwood East High School contended that their principal ordered the deletion of two pages of articles from an upcoming issue of the school newspaper. The paper presents the arguments of the case and the final ruling of the Supreme Court.
Table of Contents:
Facts of the Case and Rulings
Case Evaluation
From the Paper "The importance of this decision stems from the fact that it clarifies the extent to which First Amendment rights can be applied in a school setting, which was left open to question after the Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District case generally allowed students to possess this right. A possible political and Constitutional implication of the ruling is that it opens up avenues through which school officials can practice censorship of student expressions deemed as being in opposition to the school's educational mission. Another implication is that it curtails students' rights to freedom of expression within school grounds."
Tags: free speech, First Amendment, school constitution
Abstract This paper presents a review of a Texas Case hearing on the matter of student's with special disabilities and their right to an education in an inclusive environment. Namely the IRVING INDEPENDENT SCHOOLDISTRICT v. TATRO Supreme Court of the United States, 1984. 468 U.S. 883.
Abstract This paper explains that the Delaware Valley SchoolDistrict (Pennsylvania) implemented Policy 227 stating that all middle and high school students who seek to participate in extracurricular activities or request permission to drive to school would be required to submit themselves to random drug and alcohol testing; thereafter, Louis and Mary Ellen Theodore, parents of two exemplary students, filed suit to prevent the SchoolDistrict from continuing to drug test students by stating that Article 1, Section 8 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, which prevents unreasonable searches and seizures, protects their daughters and all students from Policy 227. The author reports that the United States Supreme Court ruled against the schooldistrict stating that a drug testing policy without suspicion will survive constitutional challenge only if the schooldistrict makes some actual reasons for the specific need for the policy and gives an explanation for believing that the policy would address that need, rejecting any such symbolic purpose as an appropriate reason for drug testing any group of students. The paper argues that Policy 227 is a fine policy with good intentions; instead, the paper contends that Policy 227 should be changing to only test athletes and student drivers, allowing the schooldistrict to cite the "Earls" and "Vernonia" cases as being more comparable thus possibly changing the outcome.
From the Paper "Another pro for the appellees were their ability to further distinguish themselves from "Vernonia" in the fact that case concerned a "strong drug culture in that school led by student athletes who had a lower expectation of privacy than the general body or even students involved in non-athletics extra-curricular activities." Appellees noted that the District had not even attempted to justify its program by proving the existence of an actual drug crisis in the District, much less within the targeted class of students" (J-97-2003, 7). In fact, since Article 1, section 8, provides greater protection than the 4th amendment, the appellees where able to further argue that "even showing of special need could not be viewed as justifying the sort of random, suspicionless searches conducted under policy 227" (J-97-2003, 7)."
Abstract This study focuses on reviewing current recruiting and hiring practices, under California law and within school board policy, of the Rio Linda Union SchoolDistrict. The study reviews state, school board, and schooldistrict policies on recruitment and hiring of education personnel, analyzes the effectiveness of present recruitment and hiring practices within the Rio Linda Union SchoolDistrict, and makes suggestions for improvement of practice.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
State Law, School Board and District Policies Governing Recruitment and Hiring
Recruitment and Selection
Job Posting Requirement
Hiring Processes, Procedures, and Requirements
Selection of Candidates
Screening
Recommendations for Employment
Teacher Recruitment for Low-Performing Schools
From the Paper "Many school districts, in California and elsewhere, have their own human resources departments. The Rio Linda Union School District, however, has no human resources department. That, according to Betty Barker, Assistant Superintendent of Personnel for Rio Linda Union School District (Interview, October 17, 2005) is one fact that distinguishes the district from other districts, and left over from the days before some schools began moving toward decentralization."
Abstract Modern classrooms must implement several programs to offer an effective educational curriculum to special needs students such as English Language Learners (ELL). Programs will differ from school to school or district to district depending upon demographics and resources available. This paper shows that the several programs offered in the Redlands Unified SchoolDistrict take such considerations into account. The district offers a comprehensive program to start ELL students on their transition to the general education mainstream classroom starting in kindergarten. The paper shows that the students and their parents are offered techniques to obtain the proper education while they learn English. The programs used there, plus several others, are making the California classroom a less stressful and more productive place for ELL students to learn.
From the Paper "Orando and Rothstein (as cited in Slavin, 2003) state that the educational system is presented with a dilemma when it comes to limited English proficient students. The dilemma is this: The students need to learn English in order to function in society, but how much instruction should they get in their first language? English language learners (ELL) need more aid in learning all subjects because they are also trying to learn English at the same time (Johnson, Musial, Hall, Gollnick & Dupuis, 2005). Those that do speak some English may speak it with an accent or in a dialect and thus feel more comfortable using their primary language during some lessons (Lewis & Doorlag, 2003)."
Abstract This paper discusses the Bethel SchoolDistrict vs. Fraser court case, regarding a school speech made at an assembly by Matthew Fraser. The paper explores the school's reaction to Fraser's speech, claiming it to be indecent, lewd, and offensive to the modesty and decency of many of the students and faculty in attendance at the assembly. The paper contends that the case sets an important precedent with regard to the future actions a school or district may take concerning similar matters of public decency and free speech, especially with regard to the actions of members of the student body.
From the Paper "In specific, the events concerned the actions of one Matthew N. Fraser, a student at Bethel High school in Washington State. In short, at a required assembly of approximately 600 students, Fraser presented a speech in which he referred to a student government opponent in terms of an "elaborate, graphic, and explicit sexual metaphor" (UMKC, 2004). Not only did the student receive a warning from two teachers that it was ?inappropriate and that he probably should not deliver it,? and that it was possible that its presentation may have ?severe consequences (UMKC),? but it was observed that the reaction of the student audience to its presentation ranged from hooting, lewd gestures which ?graphically simulated the sexual activities pointedly alluded to in respondent's speech,? to obvious embarrassment and bewilderment? (UMKC)."
Abstract This paper describes the legal action brought against the schooldistrict by the parents of a young boy who was continuously harassed by special needs children riding the same school bus as the young boy. The paper discusses the major legal issues involved in the case, major case law governing the issues, weaknesses in the arguments on both sides of the case and explains how litigation could have been avoided.
Table of Contents
Case Study
Major Legal Issues Involved in the Case
Major Case Law Governing Issues
Arguing a Position
Articulating the Major Weaknesses in the Position
Describing How the Litigation Could be Avoided or Prevented
From the Paper "The school failed to protect the child from harassment. It was brought to the administration's attention and nothing was done. Once students are on their buses, they might be off of the physical premises but they are still the responsibility of the school. After the bus pulls out of the school parking lot, the bus driver is in command. But, as many educators are well aware, drivers often need the support of school administrators in getting their passengers home safely."
Abstract This paper analyzes the program improvement plan guide of Minnesota SchoolDistrict # 279. It presents the general aims of a school improvement plan and the areas in which the program aims to support the schools. The paper then looks at how a program could be implemented into a school. Finally, the paper focuses on Minnesota SchoolDistrict # 279 and how the program could be implemented there.
Table of Contents:
School Program Improvement Plan
How is it Undertaken?
The Program Improvement Plan Process Guide of District 279
From the Paper "The process of improving a school program is a continuous one, it evolves as needs arise. Therefore, implementation and conceptualization is not easy. It needs to be constantly assessed and tested if the program still works according to the demand of the time. The plan to improve the school program is undertaken by a committee or team through the following key steps: a.) Select a reform model, by first assessing the needs of the school so you can decide on which models to adopt, building a knowledge base, becoming familiar with school reform models, determining evidence of effectiveness, making informed selection, and finalizing arrangements with model developer. b.) Design a comprehensive program by reallocating resources and developing action plan. c.) Implement the program by providing leadership, fostering positive relations between administrative staff and the community, looking for early successes, managing the plan, securing external support, checking for possible abrupt improvements. d.) Use evaluation for continuous school improvement by setting standards, promoting a climate for data-driven accountability, monitoring implementation, planning changes, evaluating outcomes, using multiple measures, informing stake holders and creating a user friendly data storage system."
This paper is a review of literature and a proposal for research concerning superintendents of small schooldistricts, their relationship between ethics, mandates, laws, and regulations and the process of funding schooldistricts.
Abstract The paper states that there is a critical need for research into the relationships between alternate patterns of educational governance and the ability to mobilize human energy. The paper recommends that research should be done to show how schools can restructure many of their programs to meet the laws and regulations while meeting the needs of the schools. The paper concludes that the hypothesis of this survey research will illustrate how funds and grants should be issued, related to the individual needs of the school and the relationship with the superintendent.
From the Paper "The top ten factors that influence teachers applying for administration positions are relationship among the board, administration, and teachers; salary, community support, quality of community life, impact of the administrative position on home life, reputation of superintendent, poor working conditions, and the control of the board and the superintendent. Basically this shows that the decisions and actions of the superintendent affect stakeholders. The role of the superintendent is an important one when it comes to the district personnel and the shared vision of the school."
Abstract The paper explains the "Parents Involved In Community Schools V. Seattle SchoolDistrict" lawsuit when parents of students who were denied admission to schools of their choice due to their race sued the District, arguing that their policy of racial tiebreaker violated the Fourteenth Amendment guarantee of equal protection. The paper discusses the majority decision and maintains that it is an accurate reflection of the recent swing in the US Supreme Court towards conservatism. The paper does point out, however, that Justice Kennedy's separate opinion keeps the door partially open for public schools to consider race for ensuring equal educational opportunity in certain circumstances.
Outline:
Background
Facts of the Case
Questions Before the Supreme Court
Decision
The Conservative and Liberal Aspects of the Decision
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Seattle School District had adopted a system of 'tiebreakers' to decide admissions in schools that were oversubscribed. An important tiebreaker was a racial factor intended to maintain racial diversity. The system sometimes prevented students from gaining admission to schools of their first choice due to their race, if the racial demographics of a school deviated substantially from the overall white to non-white ratio of Seattle's total student population."
Abstract This research reviews the steps and procedures involved in the development and implementation of a two-year budget for a public schooldistrict. Neither an actual nor a prototype budget for a public schooldistrict is developed in this research.
From the Paper "DEVELOPMENT & IMPLEMENTATION OF A TWO-YEAR BUDGET FOR A PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Introduction
This research reviews the steps and procedures involved in the development and implementation of a two-year budget for a public school district. Neither an actual nor a prototype budget for a public school district is developed in this research. Rather, a description and explanation of the process, together with a discussion and evaluation of relevant issues, are presented.
Assumptions for the Public School District
The public school district's budget function is a split calendar year process that extends over a 24-month period. Thus, the budget developed in the first-half of 1999 finances ..."
Abstract Since NCLB legislation in 2001, schools have seen a drastic change in assessment methods for students and are under increased pressure to be held accountable. This paper details the current situation in which high-stakes testing is not congruent with state standards. The paper then goes on to suggest ways in which states and schooldistricts can alter assessments to increase their validity. Also, issues of how to improve school accountability are discussed. The Nebraska STARS accountability system is also evaluated and recommended.
From the Paper "While assessment of school systems has been an ongoing issue in the United States for many years, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) created a controversy over accountability of schools and school districts. While NCLB has many admirable goals, such as attempting to provide equal educational opportunity to all students, there are weaknesses in its provision for assessments that plague schools that must not be held accountable for student learning. Spring (2006) notes that while states are able to create standards to determine what is taught and what state tests should contain, there is a requirement that fourth and eighth grade students must take the National Assessment of Educational Progress examinations (186). This legislation, in effect, creates a national curriculum because students from all states are expected to pass a national test. Additionally, NCLB's assessment requirements have already led to many states adopting other high-stakes assessments for students, and then holding schools responsible for failure or success on these tests. However, recent literature suggests that there are better assessment systems that can create a balanced approach to accountability."
Abstract The paper looks at how the schooldistrict of Miami, Florida should develop an innovative plan that will answer the concerns of all the members of the community on the projected redistricting of the school boundaries. The paper discusses the stakeholders, the quality of education, the faculty and staff, the parents and the travel and cultural impact. The paper explains how the goal is to create a school system where each school achieves a level of desirability, regardless of where the school is located.
Outline:
Introduction
The Strategy
The Stakeholders
Quality of Education
Faculty and Staff
Parents
Travel and Cultural Impact
Conclusion
From the Paper "Miami schools are experiencing disproportionate enrollment increases, and the increases have brought about the need for Miami to redraw the lines of its school districting boundaries t accommodate the changes in increased student enrollment for certain schools. In many instances, the new boundaries mean children who attended a particular school during the previous school year, will attend new schools in the upcoming school. The idea of redrawing the boundaries has, predictably, met with a vocal response from concerned citizens. Parents are concerned about their children going into unfamiliar areas of the city to attend school, and are worried about racial and cultural differences, which could put their children at a learning disadvantage. Also, some children who once lived within blocks of their school will now be taking buses."
Abstract The paper gives the background of the controversy surrounding dress codes in schools, from students who claim the restrictiveness to sources that cite the declining level of violence where dress codes are enforced. The paper specifically argues the case in order to decrease the occurrence of gang-related attire. The paper includes a detailed example of a dress code and recommendations to schooldistricts for implementation.
From the Paper "The dress code provides a balance between an individual's First Amendment right to free expression and the school's responsibility to provide a safe and secure educational environment. Schools have a responsibility to customize their individual dress codes to address the needs and standards of their communities through use of a process that ensures input from students, parents, faculty and staff, as well as other interested community members. On the other hand, students and their parents or guardians have a responsibility to be aware of the school dress code and to conform to its requirements. Finally, the principal of each school has a responsibility to interpret and enforce the policy stated herein."
Abstract This paper discusses the development of the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) in 1999 to test graduating seniors in English language, arts and math. The paper argues that the test is unfair due to the discrepancies between students and schooldistricts. It discusses the controversy surrounding the test, including possible solutions that have been suggested to improve the fairness of the testing.
From the Paper "If students have been victims of mediocre and poor schools, passing the test will prove exceptionally difficult. A variety of problems plague these troubled schools. Academics are hindered by problems with discipline and absenteeism. Students cannot learn with disruptions during the school day and when they are not in school. Furthermore, teachers are unable to teach consistent and sequenced lessons when they have to battle with behavior problems and lack of continuity when students are not there. Teachers become frustrated quickly and seek employment at middle and upper class schools. Consequently, the poorer schools frequently have new and inexperienced teachers and rapid teacher turnover."
