The education laws and policy decisions made in the state capitol might seem far removed from the realities of the schools, but their impact hits much closer to home than one might realize. Keeping track of those state debates as they occur is a good way to keep teachers, administrators, and local parents in-the-loop about changes that might be…

This report by the Kentucky Department of Education states that "the school council shall have the responsibility to set school policy consistent with district board policy which shall provide an environment to enhance the students' achievement and help the school meet the goals established in KRS 158.645 and 158.6451." The report's 18…

This state policy guide looks at partnerships between charter schools and community, faith-based, and for-profit organizations as one way for these schools to access essential goods and services. Each type of partnership poses specific challenges and opportunities, and, based on a review of charter school legislation and interviews with state…

This guide for state policymakers examines teacher involvement in charter school governance. Teacher involvement is defined to include the gamut of decision-making roles not typically afforded teachers in traditional public schools, including founding schools, serving on governing boards, and engaging in site-based collective bargaining. Different…

This booklet on counselor licensure is intended for professional counselors who may be interested in working toward the passage of counselor licensure legislation. Following a brief introduction to the topic of counselor licensure, a list of resource persons is given. A history of licensure and related credentialing activities is provided,…

The paper addresses (1) lawsuits stemming from fraternity hazing incidents and their potential liability; (2) defenses raised by fraternities, universities, and individual defendants and the success or failure of those defenses; and (3) responses to the hazing problem (state legislation and specific university and fraternity anti-hazing policies).…

The State Education Agency's (SEA) role in gifted education is examined, and the need for mandatory legislation concerning gifted education and special teacher certification noted. The SEA's efforts in staff development and in promoting cooperation among postsecondary and secondary students are considered. (CL)

This handbook was assembled to aid Michigan communities in the establishment of district libraries, or libraries formed by united efforts and resources of two or more municipalities. Two major areas are covered, establishment and funding. The "Establishment" section outlines steps involved in the process, sample resolutions of…

New digital technologies and the rapid growth of the Internet are restructuring communications systems and transforming education and the economy. Noting that many of the resulting telecommunications policies will be made at the state level, this publication provides guidelines for child advocates to influence state policy regarding children's use…

This guide to policy concerning parent involvement in Kentucky's Chapter 1 programs was prepared in an effort to help local districts develop a policy that complies with state legislation. While the parameters of Kentucky's P.L. 100-297 are clear, the procedures for preparing a parent participation policy are complicated. The guide includes an…

This booklet for distribution to students and employees contains East Carolina University's (ECU/North Carolina) policy prohibiting illegal drug use, a description of the medical and legal implications of using illegal substances, and a listing of campus and off-campus resources available to assist persons with substance abuse problems. A…

This pamphlet, designed for distribution to students and employees of Carl Albert State College, Oklahoma, reviews the risks associated with alcohol and drug use and establishes standards of conduct relating to drug use. The section detailing health risks covers overdoses, chemical dependency, ill health, and the accidents which can result from…

This handbook contains legislation, regulations, and general information for helping Alberta schools establish school councils or make the transition from parent advisory groups to school councils. The school council is a collective association of parents, teachers, principals, staff, students, and community representatives. The handbook describes…

This guide to the legislative process provides information on how to work within the legislative process for changes benefiting children and families. The guide is divided into 5 major sections: (1) know the issues and know the state and congressional legislative systems; (2) know how to express an opinion; (3) communications from non-profit…

This report describes the telecommunications systems currently available in Virginia to deliver educational materials and conduct administrative meetings and training in a cost effective manner. Examples are provided of how state agencies and institutions in Virginia are using each of the technologies and the future potential of each system is…