West Virginia's "Master Plan for Public Education" calls for a Professional Performance Assessment of student teachers in field-based programs. The challenge is to incorporate the assessments in the least intrusive manner. While there is skepticism, some cooperating teachers hope the screening will result in better-prepared student…

Child abuse is an issue of growing public concern. Seven questions and answers are presented pertaining to the legal risks and responsibilities of school personnel in reporting cases of child abuse. (TE)

The pros and cons of financial disclosure laws of varying strictness and their effects on school board members are discussed. Recent trends are noted and a tabulation is provided of the statutory requirements concerning disclosure of personal finances and campaign contributions in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. (PGD)

A content analysis of textbook adoption statutes of 22 states was undertaken to gain insight into the reasons behind state textbook adoption. Findings indicate the intent of state-level textbook adoption may be to control marketing practices of the publishing industry. (DF)

Recounts the formation of new policies for vocational education that have been legislated in Arizona. (SK)

Discusses what computer technology means for teachers and their careers, focusing on how proposed legislation may affect individuals already teaching computer courses and the status of jobs in computer education in the District of Columbia, Virginia, Florida, California, and Illinois. Considers kinds of positions available now and in the future.…

The State Education Agency's (SEA) role in gifted education is examined, and the need for mandatory legislation concerning gifted education and special teacher certification noted. The SEA's efforts in staff development and in promoting cooperation among postsecondary and secondary students are considered. (CL)

Provides a listing of all state guidelines and regulations pertaining to use of hypodermic syringes, eye safety, and animal care in biology and general science laboratories. (SL)

Focuses on the extent to which state action may restrict nudity in university theatres. (MH)

This publication contains a glossary of 152 school finance terms, some of which are specific to the state of California. Examples of the terms include: academic performance index, charter school, equalization aid, Gann Limit, opportunity to learn, school site council, Serrano Bands, voucher, and waiver. The glossary also includes definitions of…

Proposition 74 on the Nov. 8, 2005 ballot would change employment terms for certificated school employees, such as teachers, school librarians, counselors, nurses, and instructional specialists. Because the largest population affected is teachers, most discussions of the ballot measure--also known as the teacher tenure or Put Kids First…

Charter schools remain politically controversial in Michigan. The controversy focuses on questions of choice and accountability. Advocates assert that parents should have choices--especially poor parents who otherwise lack good options. Critics argue that charter schools perform no better than regular public schools, or that they are…

This report presents information from the Sixth Annual Survey of State Higher Education Officers, and once again provides information on performance funding, budgeting, and reporting in all 50 states. Survey results show the triumph of performance reporting and the trials of performance budgeting and funding. The bad budgets for higher education…