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)

Characteristics of evaluative studies used by California state legislators are discussed: specificity in addressing particular policy decisions; factors which contribute to or hinder the accomplishment of educational objectives; balanced studies with a range of indicators; and attention to local concerns, and to fiscal and legal issues. (MH)

The California State Department of Education, under the leadership of a new superintendent, is gradually taking control of education from the realm of state politics and implementing programs more responsive to the needs of local districts, with emphasis on the desired goals in the education of children. (JD)

Describes factors leading to the recent statewide introduction of speech-language paraprofessionals called speech-language pathology assistants (SLPA) in Kentucky's public schools. Also describes the licensure model, requirements for SLPA licensure, and the scope of practice associated with the position. Reports results of a survey indicating…

Ohio SchoolNet is a state-funded partnership to encourage and support local school improvement. The project's $95 million cost is being funded through bond sales. By the end of 1999, SchoolNet will have facilitated the installation of networking technology in all public K-12 schools and classrooms across Ohio. (MLF)

Using a macrosociological theory of education, this article explores the opportunities to transfer from community college to baccalaureate granting schools in the 48 contiguous states. The structure of community colleges is not uniform across the states, and only a few have coordinated community college programs carefully to facilitate transfer.…

As state legislators, school boards, and the public at large become more receptive, home-schoolers are gaining access to more resources, including those at public schools. Researchers disagree over home schooling's effects on academic achievement and social development. Home schooling could be an important resource for studying how children learn…

While college and university officials tend to say they have fraternity hazing under control due to school policies and state criminal laws, critics find the laws have been ineffective, in part because of a tendency to blame the victims. Punishment of some student perpetrators has been minimal. Liability of schools can be substantial, with…

Describes a Nebraska case where a signing bonus awarded to a new teacher was contested by the teachers' association. Provides a two-part legal reminder to school authorities. Does the state have a collective bargaining law that mandates bargaining in such situations? If so, negotiate the matter into a clearly provable agreement. (Author/MLF)

Describes development of the Oregon Quality Education model, an adequacy-funding model. Explores the rationale behind its development as well as the political and economic realities policymakers face in attempting to determine how much money Oregon's schools would need to meet state education reform goals and provide a quality education to all…