Emphasizes the development of an effective planning capability in the state. Describes the policy challenges posed by enrollment decline, then analyzes the content and process of Minnesota's response, focusing on legislative enactments aimed at improving school district planning. (IRT)

The generally accepted view of tenure as that of an unbreakable relationship has actually grown out of institutional practices rather than from precise judicial doctrines. The courts have upheld a variety of "bona fide" causes based on unsatisfactory performance, as well as financial exigency. (MLW)

Acknowledging the necessity of student loan programs, legislative and judiciary efforts have been made to strengthen them. Refusing bar admission to students who have defaulted on loans is especially appropriate action, since lawyers must maintain the highest standards of propriety and justice. (MSE)

In light of the passage of Proposition 13 in California, which requires rethinking of the state's school financing structure, the author assesses the advantages and disadvantages of complete state financing v retaining some proportion of the revenue function at the local level. (Author/SJL)

In discussing the use of paid advertising for community college promotion, considers the resistance to advertising among administrative and legislative bodies, assesses legislative and financial restrictions, and describes some economical ways of increasing college visibility: direct mailing, public service announcements, and cooperative…

Excerpts from a study of curriculum laws and regulations and how they are perceived by teachers and administrators in the states of Texas, Illinois, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and California. (Author/MLF)

Addresses the problem of disclosure of sensitive information contained in special-education records and proposes a number of measures school districts can take to protect the confidentiality of general student records. (77 footnotes) (MLF)

In July 1993, the Michigan legislature did away with the local property tax as a source of operating revenue for the public schools. Analyzes the implications of Michigan's school finance and education reform for fiscal equity, with particular emphasis on constitutional guarantees, equal protection of the laws, and educational quality. (112…

This article reviews federal and state legal mandates to report child abuse. It addresses the issue of immunity from civil suit and criminal prosecution for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect, along with the criminal prosecution that may result if suspected child abuse or neglect is not reported. (CR)

The latest educational reform is that of charter schools. This article surveys the perceived benefits of charter schools and their organizational characteristics. Describes fiscal and policy issues and outlines seven critical components necessary for passing successful charter legislation. One figure is included. (Five references) (LMI)

Evaluation of the Baltimore City Public School System (BCPSS) city-state partnership examined: whether BCPSS improved student achievement and system management, whether improvements related to new state-mandated governance structures, and whether levels and use of funds were sufficient. Highlights data collection and methodology, student test…

A study examined 61 examples of advocacy from 34 states and selected six sites for case studies. Factors that supported positive outcomes include advocates who are persistent, knowledgeable about both best practices in gifted education and local state political processes, and more often collaborative than adversarial. (Contains references.)…

A case study of a state advocacy group identifies four advocacy phases: educating all about the legislative process, building relationships, getting technical help, and setting goals; gaining recognition and learning to compromise; following a victory by publicizing the benefits and developing regulations; and maintaining relationships and…

Within the core of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) are a number of measures to hold states, school districts, schools, and school personnel more accountable for student progress. Summarizes state legislation and court cases concerning school administrators, tenure, collective bargaining, and personnel records. (Contains 32 references.) (MLF)

Argues that the main contribution of the Administrative Law course to law students is that it presents problems which contrast with those of the standard court-centered curriculum and can illuminate other areas of law, repeatedly confronting students with doctrinal differences. Offers several examples from civil procedure, constitutional law, and…