Computerized bus-routing systems plot the most efficient routes, cut the time it takes to draw routes, and generate reports quickly and accurately. However, school districts often underestimate the amount of work necessary to get information into the computer database. (MLF)

The task of regulating the transportation of high-risk, medically fragile children to school falls largely to state and local school boards. Discusses the costs of transporting these children and coordinating with a child's individualized education program, and lists four resources schools can contact for information. (MLF)

Equipment to allow safe transportation of disabled children is reviewed. Such equipment includes infant car seats, child safety seats, safety vests, and accommodations for children in casts and/or braces. Five principles for evaluation and selection of safe seating options are given as are safety rules and information on standards and resources.…

Hundreds of school districts nationwide are looking toward user fees to sustain programs inadequately funded by state income and property taxes. A recent survey found that 34 states now permit the assessment of fees against students. User fees raise equity and legality issues, limit student participation, and can be used to garner public support…

Provides a brief description of the U.S. Constitutional provisions and public laws affecting transportation of students with disabilities. Lists suggested inservice training program elements to ensure the provision of adequate training necessary to safely transport students with disabilities. (MLF)

The insurance industry has experienced a round of claims costs as a result of recent natural disasters. These costs are passed on to customers. To avoid higher premiums, student-transportation systems can take the following money-saving steps: raise the deductible; beef up driver training; focus on driver retention; and get the fleet's loss…

New federal rules mandate drug and alcohol testing for all school district employees who are required to have a commercial driver's license. Describes the major elements of a testing program and the types of testing required. Recommends building support for the testing program by involving employee labor leaders, board members, and a cross-section…

Discusses safety issues for child care centers that provide transportation for children. Notes the importance of vehicle usage and control, driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, child securement, accident procedures, and driver education and training. (JPB)

During the past several decades, child poverty rates have been higher in rural than in urban areas, and now 2.5 million children live in deep poverty in rural America. Studies indicate that poor children are most affected by the typical "summer slide." Summer programming has the ability to address the issues of academic loss, nutritional…

This guide for Michigan parents of children with physical disabilities provides a synopsis of information and suggestions on school bus transportation gained from a series of four workshops. Topics covered include: (1) planning (determining just what the student's special transportation needs are by the Individualized Educational Planning…

The hearing was held to examine the following student-transportation safety issues: defective handrails on school buses; the need for a school-bus specific-commercial driver's license; and the use of public transportation by students. Senator Mike DeWine presided over the hearing. The document contains testimonies and prepared statements of…

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for alcohol and controlled substances testing that comply with the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991 and to set forth the procedures for implementing this policy in the state of Utah. The text details an awareness program and specifies the general prohibitions and sanctions…

This audit report focuses on transportation costs and practices incurred by the Preschool Handicapped Education Program for counties outside of New York City from July 1, 1994 through March 31, 1998, and addresses the level of cooperation between counties and the State Education Department. The report also includes recommendations for improvement…

This committee report recommends the passage of the Head Start Improvement Act of 1992, which amends the Head Start Act. The committee's report includes discussions of: (1) the history of legislation affecting the Head Start program; (2) the need for the current legislation; (3) local control of allocated funds; (4) a waiver of the requirement for…

This document provides statistical information regarding the incidence of school bus-related accidents and fatalities. Descriptive data are presented on occupant and pedestrian fatalities by age, time of day, and principal impact point on school bus vehicle; the number of school-age pedestrian deaths; and the number of school bus-related crashes.…