Much more work--and better results--will be needed before Stark County's future vision for its schools and communities is realized. And Stark County's education stakeholders are committed to completing this journey. But at this critical juncture in the state of Ohio's efforts to improve the performance of its schools and the students they serve,…

This report provides a description of the student characteristics, persistence, and degree attainment of a nationally representative sample of students who began postsecondary education for the first time during the 2003-04 academic year. The report describes the background, academic preparation, and experience of these beginning students over 3…

Many school choice enthusiasts think school choice legislation can be passed if only a number of minority political leaders can be won to the cause. Polls show that African Americans are among the strongest supporters of vouchers, tax credits, and charter schools. If minority leaders can be weaned away from traditional alliances, the underlying…

The fractured nature of the Kansas Republican Party is on display in the primary campaigns for the state board, in which Republicans of all stripes are scrambling to woo voters before they choose their candidates Aug. 1, 2006. The divisions in Kansas may also reflect the dynamics in other state and federal races this year, when the midterm…

Educational accountability is a serious concern of legislative bodies representing the people paying the costs involved in community college education. Most cost evaluations have, up to now, revolved about operational costs such as those associated with instruction and plant operation. However, newer evaluations are centering on program quality…

A state senator in Maryland offers some guidelines for educators attempting to influence the legislative process. (Author/MLF)

Describes life in Philadelphia from 1790-1800 while the city was the temporary capital of the United States. Discusses the city's attempts to keep the federal government there and outlines specific issues the Continental Congress dealt with while meeting there. (BSR)

The effect on state legislation of a united body of principals can be significant. This author explains how bills affecting education can be initiated, fought for, and passed. (Editor)

Texas Governor Rick Perry convened the legislature in a fourth special session in April 2004 for state leaders to address school finance and tax related issues left unresolved in its 2003 regular biennial gathering. As the session opened, there was much uproar about how the system was to be changed dramatically. Some talked about creating a new…

Reviews legislative attempts to revise the Federal Communications Act of 1934 and outlines the broadcast industry's role in defeating such attempts. Suggests that the broadcast industry chose economic protectionism over increased freedom of expression. (JMF)

An Illinois school board presented state assembly candidates with an opinionnaire to gather their positions on 12 issues of interest to the board. The board then invited the candidates to a coffee to discuss the issues. (IRT)

As congressional library supporters retire, establishing new commitments for library services and funding is a priority for advocates. Highlights retiring library champions in Congress, their contributions, and current congressional librarian, Representative Major Owens. Suggests ways to secure more support--educating legislators about libraries,…

Examines the history of the filibuster, particularly the ways in which the discourse surrounding attempts to eliminate the filibuster exemplify certain fundamental contradictions in American political mythology. Concludes that popular democracy and the American form of republican government are as contradictory as they are collaborative. Sees the…

Childhood obesity is on the rise across the country and in North Carolina, with four times as many children exhibiting signs of obesity now as they did 20 years ago. The costs in terms of medical expenses are staggering, with one estimate putting the cost to North Carolina at $16 million a year. Some North Carolina legislators have expressed…

This article lays out U.S. Indian policy in the Great Plains during the twenty-five years after the Civil War by examining chronologically specific "players" that shaped and reshaped that policy: the U.S. Army, the President and Interior Department, Congress, religious organizations, whites in the Indian reform movement, settlers surging…