Friday Snippets: 03/07/08 - Douche Bag Soldiers & Jury Duty

Well, we are going to try a new feature here at The Edjurist Accord. I
am beginning to get more than my standard 5-6 stories a week that I
want to post to the blog with commentary, so I have decided to put
links to all the additional stories I find in one post on Fridays
(something to help you and me pass the time until the weekend). While I
am at it, I will also sum up the week in the Education Law Blogosphere,
in case you missed any of the important stories my fellow bloggers
posted. If you think I missed anything in educational law news or in
the blogosphere, let me and your fellow readers know in the comments
section.

Snippets:

Martha Neil continues to report on the school lawyer investigation in New York. It has now expanded across the state, to 700+ districts. (Did I call that or what? I told you to be worried about that one. Next thing, look for it to expand to other states).



A settlement allows Bible Classes (or Classes on the Bible) to continue as a public high school elective in Odessa, Texas.

U.S. News has an inside look at Teach for America.



A New York Charter School wants to pay teachers $125,000/year (where do I sign?).



Some (ridiculous) schools have separate lines for the free and reduced lunch kids, so some kids are going hungry rather than face the stigma.



Chief Justice Roberts visited a high school in Bethesda, Maryland
(where he lives) to teach about the Supreme Court (hope someone got
that on tape - would be great to use across the country and in my own
classes).



Chicago and the Feds had a bit of a spat (what else is new) over testing bilingual students in their native language. Feds win - State Caves.



The L.A. Times (quickly becoming one of my favorite newspapers) has a story on the new tactics schools are using to combat bullying.



The Washington State High School Mock Trial Competition seems cool.



ABC News Video on depression in schools and Section 504. (video)

Also around the Ed. Law Blogosphere this week:

The big story was a story on Internet speech where a student called
members of the administration "douchebags" and was then prohibited from
being class secretary. Mark Walsh has the story. Mitchell H. Rubinstein has the legal analysis. And Mike Tully has the criticism.

Board Buzz is buzzing over new interest among states to opt out of NCLB.

Jon Becker At the Schoolhouse Gate found an interesting North of the Border story on expelling a student for forming a Facebook study group.

Jim Gerl is continuing his examination of procedural due process issues in special education.

Mark Walsh also has a case that has homeschoolers upset and a bit on loyalty oaths in American Education.

Michelle Laubin has several Connecticut Legislative Updates: Overview; Asthma Inhalers; Residency Fibs; Military Recruitment Limitations.

And Jim Walsh got called to jury duty for a jaywalking case ... but was upset to be passed over - Sorry Jim. 

Google Document Link: Friday Snippets: 03/07/08 - Douche Bag Soldiers & Jury Duty