Homeschooling is quickly becoming a significant educational phenomenon. According to the Indiana Department of Education, the number of Indiana homeschooled children has increased by 400 percent over the past eight years, with a current enrollment total of 22,403. Furthermore, this number likely understates the true number of Indiana homeschooled…

Online assessment promises a faster and more useful return of data about student performance in states accountability assessments. The prospect of gaining quick access to such information is alluring, and many states are creating new assessments for an online environment in order to obtain it. This period of retooling presents a significant…

This report is an update to the 2002 Student Transfer in California Postsecondary Education report (see ED464672). It provides background and summary information on undergraduate student transfer in California's postsecondary education systems. The report discusses the important role transfer plays in California's postsecondary education system,…

In 2002, Florida voters placed on the ballot through petition and passed a state constitutional amendment mandating universal prekindergarten (UPK) for all 4-year-olds beginning in 2005; it was the nation's first voter-initiated, mandated UPK. This case study examines Florida's successful UPK campaign. The report highlights the leadership of David…

In this lesson, students examine issues surrounding hate crimes. Students read and discuss an article on hate crimes. In small groups, students role play state legislators and supporters and opponents of hate-crime legislation who must discuss and vote on a bill designed to increase sentences for hate crimes. Following an overview, the lesson plan…

In 1997, Arizona enacted a tuition tax credit law. Supporters consider this law a model for improving public education. Opponents believe it is a model for seriously undermining public education, particularly public schools serving poor children. The two types of tax credits Arizona offers are a private tuition tax credit and tax credit for public…

This study examines the teaching conditions of educators working in charter schools, exploring the involvement of teachers' unions and associations. Data came from a literature review, a teacher survey, and five case studies in various types of charter schools. Results from the literature review indicate that: state charter statutes are…

This publication was put together by the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction in response to questions about laws concerning home-based instruction passed in 1985. Part 1 contains responses to questions relating to Chapter 28A.225 RCW and Chapter 28A.200 RCW; topics covered include regulations governing compulsory school…

"Outlook" is the monthly newsletter of the Council for American Private Education (CAPE). This issue includes the following articles: (1) Elections Boost Prospects for School Choice; (2) Final Regulations for Title I Released; and (3) CAPENotes.

There have always been tests, but there have never before been so many! It is natural for parents and concerned citizens to wonder what is motivating this increase and to examine the many reasons why. Ever since there have been schools, teachers have used tests of various kinds to find out how well students are learning and if their instruction…

Schools in North Carolina are governed by numerous laws pertaining to construction and repair. A selection of these laws is presented. Financial concerns constitute the bulk of these statutes, covering areas such as bids (financial outlay, advertisement, rejecting bids, and withdrawing bids); sources of state funds; the selling or buying of school…

This document presents excerpts and copies of state laws relating to Michigan libraries. The following are included: the Preamble of the Constitution of Michigan of 1963; Legislative Council Act (excerpt); Incompatible Public Offices; Freedom of Information Act; Open Meetings Act; Laws, Documents, and Reports (excerpts); Administrative Procedures…

Designed for special education due process hearing officers in Arizona, this manual is intended to provide a reference system for accessing and understanding state and federal laws, regulations, case-law, and policy with respect to the education of students with disabilities. Sections of the manual include: (1) a glossary of terms and a chart that…

The 1996 Legislature directed the Minnesota Higher Education Services Office (HESO), in cooperation with the Library Planning Task Force to, "create a plan and process to develop a statewide on-line information system for libraries"; this memo with attached information was submitted in fulfillment of that request. The name chosen for the…

This paper examines the responses of four high schools to new accountability policies in two states, New York and Vermont. In each state, one school that was better positioned with respect to the policy and one that was a target of the policy were studied. New York's policy attaches high stakes for students though the Regents high school exit…