The U.S. Department of Education (Education) plays a key role in supporting educational opportunities for K-12 students, including awarding grants and overseeing compliance with federal education laws. Over the past decade, Education's grant awards have generally increased in number and size. Using Education budget data, it was determined that in…

For years, parents and policymakers have raised concerns about teacher shortages. These concerns escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic, amid reports of teachers leaving the profession, fewer new teachers entering, and schools struggling to hire teachers. The Explanatory Statement accompanying the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020…

Research shows that students who experience discipline that removes them from the classroom are more likely to repeat a grade, drop out of school, and become involved in the juvenile justice system. This can result in decreased earning potential and added costs to society (lost tax revenue and incarceration). The Government Accountability Office…

This document presents witnesses' testimonies from a Congressional hearing called to examine the health care access problems of the large number of Americans without health insurance and those suffering from underinsurance or inadequate coverage of primary acute or long-term care. Opening statements are included from Representatives Edward Roybal,…

This document contains witness testimonies and prepared statements from the Congressional hearing called to examine the rise in health care costs and its effect on retirees' health benefits. Opening statements are provided from committee members. The retiree's perspective is given by a retiree and a granddaughter of a retiree who have had their…

This document presents witness testimonies and prepared statements from the Congressional hearing called to examine the effects of homelessness on children and families. In their opening statements, Representatives George Miller and Dan Coats emphasize that homelessness threatens the physical health and safety of children, places them at risk of…

This document contains testimony and prepared statements from the Congressional hearing held to examine youth and the justice system. Factors which might lead to behavior problems among the young are identified and ways to ameliorate those conditions and prevent delinquency and incarceration of youths are considered. Witnesses include two juvenile…

Detention rooms are more effective when students are accountable for their behavior, rules and consequences are clear and publicized, and teachers are involved in the disciplinary process. (DCS)

This document contains witness testimonies and prepared statements from the Congressional hearing called to examine drug abuse in the workplace, how the public and private sectors are dealing with this problem, and the issue of urine testing. Opening statements are included from Representatives Charles Rangel, Benjamin Gilman, Frank Guarini Mel…

This document presents testimony and prepared statements from the Congressional hearing on families and unemployment. The hearing begins with statements given by Judson Stone, Elkgrove, Illinois Mental Health Center; David Mills, Department of Health and Social Services of Madison, Wisconsin; Judge Charles B. Schodson, Children's Court of…

Data show that gangs, drugs, and random murders are becoming staples in the lives of U.S. children. Every major U.S. city is facing a deadly gang problem, exemplified by drive-by shootings and teenagers brandishing assault weapons. This document presents witness testimony, prepared statements, and panel discussions that examine the problem of gang…

This document contains materials from a Congressional public forum which focused on multigenerational approaches to the health and economic problems of Americans. Introductory remarks are included from Fernando Torres-Gil, staff director of the House Select Committee on Aging; Victor Sidel, president of the American Public Health Association…

This document presents the text of a Congressional hearing, chaired by Representative George Miller, on the epidemic of gang warfare and violence among youth. Testimony is presented from these witnesses: (1) James Brown, juvenile court probation officer, Multnomah County Juvenile Justice Department, Portland, Oregon; (2) John A. Calhoun, executive…

This document presents the testimony and prepared statements of witnesses in the Congressional hearings on broken families. Following the opening statement of Senator Jeremiah Denton, subcommittee chairman, prepared statements from a panel of witnesses representing the American Psychiatric Association are presented; topics covered in the…

Two recent Supreme Court decisions have a major effect on special education litigation. The first requires schools to provide "related services" of a paramedical nature to handicapped children; the second limits school board liability for attorney's fees in successful special education lawsuits. (TE)