Employing a theoretical framework derived from the policy innovation and diffusion literature, this research examines how variations over time and across state sociopolitical systems influence states' adoption of accountability policies in higher education. Specifically, factors influencing the adoption of three kinds of performance-accountability…

This policy brief describes how legislation can ensure that high-quality charter schools emerge from the chartering process. State legislatures do not decide which applicants receive charters, but leave these choices up to "chartering entities" (state and local boards of education) by giving them the power to grant charters. However,…

It was requested that the Virginia Crime Commission develop a plan for drug-free schools that could be distributed to Virginia's local education agencies. Meetings were held to examine the key issues relating to developing drug-free environments in the public schools. Four issues were identified as critical to reducing the availability of drugs in…

Wisconsin legislation on adolescent pregnancy prevention is discussed in this document. The 1991 Senate Bill 324 and Assembly Bill 630, identical bills which relate to adolescent pregnancy prevention, school district instruction in human growth and development, medical assistance services, and making appropriations, are discussed. Part I notes…

This guidebook was designed to help concerned citizens identify and prevent child abuse. The guidebook provides information about the extent of child abuse in the United States generally and within Oklahoma specifically, and stresses that under Oklahoma state law every adult has the responsibility to report suspected abuse. Programs and services…

Congress has drafted an omnibus copyright law revision because of the obsolescent effects that technology has had upon present law. The proposed revision is examined with emphasis on its preemptive policy and reasons for delay in enactment and with reference to the case of Williams and Wilkins Company v. United States regarding copyright and…

A study involving legislators was conducted by the Region 8 Regional Rehabilitation Research Institute (Colorado) and four Region 8 States to improve State legislative support for vocational rehabilitation programs, especially delivery of rehabilitation services to the rural disabled. Suggestions for improving ways to meet legislative information…

A State-by-State preview of the major educational issues facing State legislatures in 1975. (JG)

This document contains a compiled listing of the school laws of Alaska. The laws, divided into 60 chapters, fall under the two main categories of: "Education" and "Miscellaneous Laws Relating to Education." (KM)

This report provides a general review of the significant activities and accomplishments of the New York State Legislative Commission on Rural Resources. A letter from Senator Charles D. Cook outlines the task set before the Commission, which is to improve the conditions of New York's rural residents. The next section, "Reprise 1988: A Glance…

This collection of 8 papers from the Seventeenth Annual Telecommunications Policy Research Conference includes: (1) "The Measurement, Evaluation, and Encouragement of Telephone Service Quality" (S. Berg and J. Lynch, Jr.); (2) "Impacts of Deregulation and Competition on the PBX/Centrex Market" (H. Ware); (3) "The…

To inform states regarding their compliance with practices mandated by the Child Support Enforcement Amendments of 1984, this document provides a state by state analysis of the effects of the amendment on state child support laws. Information for each state is divided into two sections. The first section lists state laws that contain many or all…

This issue, containing a special report on abuse, contains stories by sexually abused youth and an abusing parent. The stories emphasize the difficulty children have being believed when they finally decide to share their problems; the difficulties they have getting help; and the fact that, even if the abuse is stopped, there are no simple, happy…

This booklet discusses the potential importance to states of long-term care insurance, describes general policy characteristics, and summarizes state actions to both regulate and promote long-term care insurance. It is intended as a resource for legislators and others involved in long-term care financing and public policy formulation. Long-term…

The experience of the Albuquerque, New Mexico second language community is presented as a case study of successful local advocacy. The formation of the Albuquerque Language Teachers Association and the New Mexico State Task Force on Modern and Classical Languages is described, and the passage by the State legislature of a resolution on language…