The Vernonia (Oregon) School District passed a mandatory random drug testing policy for student athletes that was later upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. A survey of randomly selected superintendents in five geographic regions disclosed that a majority of respondents who knew about the case were leaning toward not adopting a similar policy. (28…

This special issue provides diverse data sets on a school-improvement initiative in Memphis, Tennessee. The effort seems unusually promising because of top-down district support for eight separate site-based reform designs, planners' reliance on New American Schools and other familiar designs, long-term data-collection opportunities, accessible…

The "one-size-fits-all" approach to teaching and program delivery is indefensible. Minnesota has enacted a law specifying standards of knowledge and skills that high school students must demonstrate to qualify for a diploma via multiple pathways. All pathway programs (classical, postsecondary, interactive-technology evening school,…

Through finance reform, Michigan cut property taxes for school operations nearly 50% and exchanged a district power-equalizing approach to a foundation-allowance program. After three years, there are still strong connections between property wealth and district revenue. However, Michigan has made progress toward equal financial resources for the…

Study of the conditions that led 32 California school districts to become Challenge Districts, a California Department of Education standards-based, accountability-driven school reform initiative to improve student learning. Finds, for example, that districts chose to become Challenge Districts because they were already working on elements of the…

Discusses how, despite recent legislation that promises them a bigger role in the state's two-year colleges (often referred to as AB1725), California faculty continue to face obstacles to shared governance, such as the recent trend toward corporate models in college governance. (EV)

Discusses the education financing system approved by the Kentucky legislature following the 1989 Kentucky Supreme Court decision striking down the previous educational financing system. The overall structure of the new system is basically sound. The allocation formula is comparatively simple and should permit both equitable administration and a…

Describes a network formed by 96 school districts and 7 Boards of Cooperative Education Services to comply with New York State's 1980 chemical safety law. This shared services approach succeeds because of its cost effectiveness, convenience, and confidential liaison services. Major issues include recycling, sick building syndrome, disaster…

In the wake of New York State's action plan to raise graduation standards, New York City's public schools have struggled to meet the new mandates and still provide adequate remedial services to students who need them. Offering alternative crediting through independent and group work is proving successful. (MLH)

This perspective on California's Senate Bill 148 describes significant provisions of the bill and attempts to identify some of the major challenges to its successful implementation. The bill addresses the teacher credentialing process, including teacher preparation. (IAH)

The issue of sex equity in college athletics was brought to a head in 1987 in a decision by Washington state's Supreme Court in a case brought against Washington State University by former female athletes and coaches. To add two women's programs, the university asked the Legislature for additional money. (MLW)

A study of communication between superintendents and legislators in Illinois revealed that superintendents seldom speak to legislators. Survey forms were sent to the 39 legislators on education committees: 29 legislators completed the survey, and 21 of these were interviewed indepth. (MLF)

South Carolina's requirement that school districts identify and serve artistically gifted/talented students in grades 3-12 has led the State Department of Education to develop support activities, as establishing curriculum guidelines, showcasing successful programs, and creating leadership roles for the South Carolina Arts Commission and the…

Evaluated physicians' responses to Alabama state elder abuse reporting statutes in Alabama Protective Services Act of 1976. Survey responses from over 100 Alabama physicians suggest that they have reservations about their ability to diagnose abuse, operation of the law, and their willingness to report abuse. (Author/NB)

One aspect of universities becoming "big business" is the marketing and protection of trademarks. Universities have resorted to trademark infringement suits or licensing agreements. The historical purposes of trademark registration, the problems with litigating trademark infringement, and the advantages and disadvantages of licensing…