The way that "open meeting laws" are working in the governance of U.S. higher education is discussed, based on a study of sunshine laws of 50 states and a survey of case law and attorneys' opinions. In-depth interviews were also conducted with individuals from six states identified as representing a range of openness. From most open to…

This report shows the final disposition of California state legislation of interest to community colleges that was enacted or introduced during the 1983-84 legislative session. First, highlights of legislation enacted in 1984 are presented, providing an overview of bills dealing with finance and fees, the Master Plan for Higher Education,…

This paper reviews State constitutions and State laws providing for race equity in education. Results of a comprehensive survey of constitutions and statutes reveal a substantial State commitment to the goal of education equity. Constitutional provisions in an overwhelming number of States mirror the requirements of the Federal equal protection…

The development of oral language proficiency as a requirement for bilingual and English-as-a-second-language (ESL) teacher certification in New Jersey is chronicled. Efforts made toward the preparation of bilingual and ESL teachers to accommodate the increasing numbers of limited English proficient students in the state are outlined, beginning…

The introduction of the microcomputer is producing complex changes in the cosmopolitan culture of Californians, including the way people live and learn at home, in school, and at the office. Recently, many bills have been proposed in California to introduce computer science and technology into the public education system; in addition, tax credits…

A review of court decisions reveals that educational policy is being increasingly influenced by law and that the control of local boards of education is decreasing. Federal, State, and local court opinions are creating "court-made policy." (DW)

Over the past five years, many states have modified their systems for providing aid to local school districts for current operating expenses, but few changes have taken place in states' support of local districts' capital outlay expenditures. However, the issues surrounding capital expenditures are somewhat different from those involved in current…

The New Jersey Constitution requires that all students receive a "thorough and efficient" education. In Robinson v. Cahill, the New Jersey Supreme Court found that the state funding system and program monitoring systems were inadequate and ordered the legislature to correct these deficiencies. As a result, New Jersey has recently…

Examines increasing application of consumerism vocabulary to postsecondary education citing federal and state action to protect students' rights as consumers. Lists steps institutions can take to avoid regulation by voluntarily complying with consumer standards of truth-in-advertising and full disclosure of pertinent information. (JT)

In 1954, in the "Brown vs. The Board of Education of Topeka" decision, the United States Supreme Court declared that "to separate [black children] from others of similar age and qualifications solely because of their race generates a feeling of inferiority as to their status in the community that may affect their hearts and minds in…

Chapter 4

Chapter 2