Presents a proposal to achieve major finance reform goals by providing property tax relief and increasing state funding out of income-tax receipts, relying on Illinois' growth dividend. The plan is funded by proportional taxes and would make school reform more politically palatable to affluent taxpayers. (28 footnotes) (MLH)

Describes and compares federal guidelines and state statutes establishing rules for voluntary agreements between birth parents/other relatives and adoptive parents for enforceable post-adoption contact. Concludes that adoption with contact is a measured response to strengths and limitations of 20th-century adoption law, balancing children's needs…

In the early 1990s, budget cuts, massive teacher layoffs, and an academic focus on school reform triggered the decline of physical education in Oregon schools. In the late 1990s, health and physical education advocates mobilized a grassroots effort that resulted in inclusion of physical education in new state standards. (SV)

Discusses what has happened to black enrollment at flagship state universities and graduate schools in five states in which race-neutral admissions have been mandated by law (Washington, Georgia, Texas, Florida, and California). Suggests that under a nationwide ban on affirmative action, black students would be largely eliminated from top…

Reviews legal issues pertaining to charter schools' responsibilities for children with disabilities. Examines Section 504, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Discusses what special issues attach when charter schools seek to serve only or predominately children with disabilities. Explores implications…

Traces development of educational accountability in California; examines role of state political leadership; considers impact of requirements of reauthorized Elementary and Secondary Education Act. (PKP)

Discusses the legal precursor and political context for the Vermont state legislature's rapid enactment of the 1997 Equal Educational Opportunity Act, commonly know as Act 60, a radical and controversial school fiscal-equity-reform initiative. Describe public reaction and engagement. (Contains 138 references.) (PKP)

Describes the facts and state and federal constitutional law related to "Zelman v. Simons-Harris," a Cleveland school-voucher case before the United States Supreme Court. Argues that the Court will likely uphold the constitutionality of the Cleveland voucher program, finding that it does not advance religion in violation of the First…

School leaders must develop communication campaigns to influence public policy--not just send out letters requesting legislative action. Public relations should support a school or district's overall objectives. Administrators must research issues, target key people, and deliver messages. Strategies include sharing students' work and hosting…

Describes Ohio's efforts to fund school facilities following a state court decision that Ohio Constitution required adequate facilities. Explores political and economic factors for relative success of state programs to fund school facilities. Despite these efforts, voter-approved bond issues remain the principal means of funding facilities. (PKP)

Discusses 10th Circuit Court decision upholding constitutionality of Oklahoma school district's policy that prohibited, with certain exceptions, part-time school enrollment, thus denying home-schooled student from taking certain specialized courses. (PKP)

Canadian humorist Steven Leacock once told a story about a jockey who became so upset over bad news that he leaped on his horse and rode off in all directions. According to this author, that action well summarizes the condition of the State of Arkansas after receiving a Supreme Court order to provide an equal and adequate education to the children…

Analyzes complex Minnesota case wherein the state intermediate, appellate court upheld (2-1) juvenile court's order that a high school student expelled for making a bomb threat pay the district's tutoring costs and attorney's fees. (PKP)

This article presents a Wisconsin post-secondary guide to disability documentation. The guide will assist organizations to determine their role in understanding needed documentation for students with disabilities transitioning from PK-12 to Wisconsin postsecondary education. This Guide provides the following: (1) Summary of Applicable Laws; (2)…

Five counties (Kern, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco) that demonstrate both variations and similarities in their implementation of Proposition 36 (e.g., treatment approaches, urine testing) and patient mix have been selected to participate in a study assessing how California's Proposition 36 is affecting the drug treatment system…