Applying item response theory, and the Rasch model in particular, to measure trends and examine policy coherence in state education reform shows a change in the picture of state leadership and a generalized pattern of policy making among the states. Using item response theory in policy analysis is explored. (SLD)

In 1995, the Indiana Legislature deregulated state controls over public-school construction projects by reducing the status of required specifications to guidelines. Also, local taxpayers were given greater authority to prevent proposed projects. This study examines the short-term effects of this policy shift. (Contains 5 tables and 16…

A discussion of student discipline. Reports on a statewide investigation in Nevada on the effectiveness of a legislative initiative that attempted to facilitate the removal from the class or reassignment of disruptive students, focusing on the perceptions of administrators and teachers. (Contains three tables and six references.) (WFA)

The Kentucky legislature has mandated that a school-based decision-making (SBDM) format of operation be adopted statewide. At the school level, the governance for SBDM becomes the responsibility of a local six-person school council. The plan establishes a reward and sanction program for schools. Offers guidelines for school principals. (eight…

Recent Texas legislation eliminates undergraduate degrees in education and requires academic majors for certification. Intended and unplanned consequences of the legislation are examined. Discussed are implications for teacher shortages, accreditation of teacher preparation institutions, specific areas (e.g., physical education, elementary…

This article discusses Texas Senate Bill 994, the political climate that spawned it, efforts by teacher education institutions to comply with the legislation, implications for teacher supply and the professionalism of teaching, and steps which can be taken by teacher educators in other states to avoid the Texas experience. (IAH)

Discusses political factors affecting educational leaders' ability to alter the constitutional and statutory status of community colleges. Reviews literature on policy formation for higher education and community colleges, and political culture at the state and subsystem levels. Describes a study of the relationships between political behavior and…

Considers the North Carolina statutes that define the process for admitting students to public schools and ensuring their attendance. Examines cases relating to issues of school admission and compulsory attendance. (MLF)

Describes some of the features of North Carolina's communicable-disease laws and regulations focusing on the problem of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that is the cause of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Addresses students and HIV, employees and HIV, and confidentiality. (MLF)

The Florida Juvenile Justice Act of 1994 reorganized and redefined the juvenile justice system. The Act fosters innovation in response to juvenile crime, with five levels of restrictiveness. It also provides for benchmarks to evaluate the system and defines the responsibility of the public school system in prevention, education, and community…

Ohio's legislative interest in regulating college faculty workloads is seen as unnecessary by many institutions. Impetus for new regulations requiring more faculty time in the classroom comes from research on increased use of teaching assistants for undergraduate instruction. Some argue that early retirement and reductions in the number of…

Provides a brief overview and analysis of the legislation of Family Preservation and Support Services. Suggests that the legislation provides the states with the necessary funding to conduct needs assessments and prepare thorough plans to address the problems facing families. Notes that the legislation involves some risks due to lack of strong…

Trustees and other officials of state higher education institutions should understand their role in the legislative process, including respecting and understanding the political process; working closely with the institution's lobbyist, knowing your limits and advantages, monitoring public opinion, understanding campaign contributions,…

A study investigated the ways in which changes in state law concerning intellectual property from 1969-89 has helped shape the climate for commercialization of science in a public university, and affected the terms of professional labor for faculty. Significant changes in the faculty-institution relationship and the government-school relationship…

In North Dakota during 1948, the Committee for Separation of Church and State succeeded in passing an "anti-garb" initiative, which targeted Catholic nuns who taught in public schools because of a teacher shortage. The committee protested the wearing of the religious habit claiming it had a religious influence on students. (KS)