This article examines federal, state, and local initiatives that have influenced child welfare policy and practice on a national scale, with particular emphasis on those policies that offer opportunities for better coordination of services between mental health and child welfare agencies. The special circumstances of child welfare clients are…

This review article examines judicial pronouncements on the law of higher education during 1993. It focuses on cases addressing institutional powers, the First Amendment, invasion of privacy, tort liability, immunities, access to records and meetings, funding, employment, adverse disciplinary decisions, and student discrimination. (MDM)

Although blocked by a preliminary injunction, Proposition 187, also known as the Save Our State Initiative, would ban nonemergency health care, schooling, and other social services for illegal immigrants. Since its passage by the citizens of California in 1994, several states, such as Arizona, Washington, Oregon, and Florida, have begun to…

Explains and analyzes open-enrollment plans, current open-enrollment legislation, and the Omaha (Nebraska) School District's attempt to balance goals of integration and open enrollment. Provides recommendations for educational and legislative reform in the area of public school choice. (198 references) (MLF)

Discussion of drug testing in intercollegiate athletics programs looks at federal and state regulation of drug-testing programs as it affects student-athletes and, in comparison, the employer-employee relationship. Judicial approaches in student-athlete drug-testing cases are also examined. Increased federal regulation is seen as imminent. Steps…

Explores the legal aspects of choice programs affecting the education of children with disabilities. Concludes that states that have enacted choice programs have not designed the admissions processes nor the funding systems to eliminate discrimination against children with disabilities. (41 footnotes) (MLF)

Issues related to company day care are discussed. These include the number of people affected, employees' morale and productivity, the effect of government regulations, and changing corporate attitudes about company day care. (LB)

Traces the three-year period (beginning in 1988) leading to the takeover of the Jersey City (New Jersey) public schools by the State Department of Education. Questions the wisdom of New Jersey's approach regarding failing school districts. The confrontation in New Jersey ended poorly for both the state and district. (SLD)

Presents the statement of the state Commissioner of Education before the New Jersey Senate Education Committee in defense of increased funding to urban school districts provided by the Quality Education Act. Argues that state legislators have a moral obligation and legal duty to see poor school districts properly funded. (SLD)

Kentucky has sustained the most long-lasting comprehensive education reforms in the nation. Passage of the reform was based on a growing awareness of the state's inadequate education system and won broad support from citizens, business and education interest groups. The systemic package of curriculum and governance reform are tied to funding…

In the three years that the Pinellas County, Florida, district has offered its more than 7,800 teachers a performance bonus as mandated by the state, exactly two have qualified and taken home the money. To get a paycheck topped up by 5 percent, Pinellas teachers are required to have had a hand in helping students raise their test scores by 120…

The evaluation of the Texas Rural Technology (R-Tech) Pilot sought to understand how districts implemented R-Tech grants, the effects of implementation on student and teacher outcomes, as well as the cost effectiveness and sustainability of R-Tech. The Texas legislature (80th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2007) authorized the creation of…

In the context of the increasing transfer of power from the federal government to state governments, this report analyzes existing data and offers critical information about state legislative higher education policy and insights into the values and attitudes legislators hold about higher education. The report's conclusions are based on a study…

This newsletter issue reviews the educational and civil rights of children and youth with disabilities through the age of 21, with summaries of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and related federal legislation. Noted are unresolved problems in the reauthorization of IDEA and the permanent authorization of requirements…

This report to the Mississippi Legislature presents the findings of a review of student financial aid administrative expenditures and enforcement of residence requirements by the State Board of Trustees of Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL). The review found that IHL privatized a loan guarantee program and redirected special funds to a private…