This paper examines how child protection legislation has affected educational systems and school personnel in Canada and the United States and draws general conclusions about the adequacy of legislation concerning child abuse reporting requirements. Vagueness in the laws leads to problems with their implementation. (PP)

Discusses an Arkansas State law that required balanced treatment of creationism and evolution in the study of human origins. Describes arguments for and against the law as presented at a courtroom trial in which it was decided that the law was unconstitutional, and that creationism had no legitimate educational purpose. (Author/MJL)

Examines the community college's relationship to its public in terms of accountability, autonomy, and services through a consideration of recent state legislation in four categories: administration and governance, academic policy, student affairs, and future directions. (DMM)

Discusses three federal cases: "Hall v. Board of School Commissioners of Mobile County, Alabama," involving distribution of union literature in school; "Board of Education of Rogers, Arkansas, v. McCluskey," regarding student discipline policies; and "Duro v. District Attorney, Second Judicial District of North…

The 1981 court trial concerning a challenge to the constitutionality of Arkansas' Act 590, the Balanced Treatment for Creation-Science and Evolution-Science Act, is described in detail. Arguments, courtroom strategies, and personalities are discussed, and the ruling of unconstitutionality is outlined. (MSE)

Reviews results of a California trial concerning the teaching of evolution in public school classrooms. Also lists recent legislation in the states of Florida, California, Minnesota, South Dakota, Kansas, Illinois, Iowa, Texas, and Arkansas. (CS)

The author investigates the mutual effects that legal and adjustment issues have on the plight of some children. A court-appointed child adversary, who would represent the child in custody and visitation decisions, could lead to improved postdivorce adjustment for many children, she concludes. (Editor)

Compares the impact of common law and reform rape legislation on prosecution based on analysis of 445 forcible and statutory rape cases in King County, Washington. Concludes that the impact of the statutory reform has been mainly symbolic and educative for society at large, rather than instrumental for law enforcement. (Author/MJL)

In Oklahoma, a new law (H.B. 1706)--the product of efforts by educators at all levels--promises to provide a framework to strengthen the preparation, induction, and continuing education of teachers. (Author/WD)

Examined are issues related to authority of a state governing board in conflicts involving higher education institutions and the state government. It is concluded that the overlapping responsibilities of governing boards and state legislatures are ambiguous. (Journal availability: University of North Dakota School of Law, Grand Forks, ND 58202,…

Although many states have been moving toward central boards, the opposite is true in Florida. The reasons why Florida's ten regents have come under attack from legislators are outlined, and a feud between the governor and the legislature over building a quality higher education system is discussed. (MLW)

The New Jersey Education Association feels that the state proposal to set minimum graduation competencies would reduce the range of high school course offerings, erode local control of schools, and limit student opportunity. A text of the proposed state regulation is included. (SJL)

In January 1977 the Virginia Supreme Court ruled local governing bodies did not have the power to enter into collective agreements with public employee groups. This paper traces the background of the lawsuit and examines the aftereffects of the decision on the Arlington School Board's organized employees. (Author/IRT)

Discusses collective bargaining in the public schools of California as permitted in the Educational Employment Relations Act of 1976 (the Rodda Act). Available from Santa Clara Law Review, School of Law, University of Santa Clara, Santa Clara, California 95053; $3.50 per issue. (IRT)

Analyzes the phenomenon of collective bargaining in the schools from the legal and educational perspectives, and offers suggestions for new approaches. Available from Willamette University College of Law, Salem, OR 97301. (Author/IRT)