The Vermont State Board of Education is required to approve competencies for each vocational program. This has resulted in a comprehensive, broad-based approach that can readily be adapted by local schools. Instructors' committees draft curriculum that reflects core competencies for entry-level employment in a given occupational area. (JOW)

The organization of services for California's mentally handicapped population, guided by the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Act, is critically examined in the context of U.S. policy and public attitudes. Distinctive features are noted: a concern for rights, a free market philosophy, and an elaborate system of checks and balances. (Author/JDD)

Examines four key elements of successful advocacy present in states' efforts to improve levels of funding and standards for child care. Strategies used in these legislative campaigns include (1) selection and focus of the issue, (2) development of a core constituency, (3) work with the media, and (4) build-up of legislative support (lobbying). (BB)

The Florida legislature recently mandated several testing programs to improve the quality of teacher education entrants, students, and graduates. These requirements and their impact on teacher education in Florida are discussed. (MT)

Current teacher induction programs are reviewed. The North Carolina approach, which is based on collaboration between institutions of higher education and local education agencies, is described. The effects of the program on the teacher educators, the mentors, and the beginning teachers are highlighted. (MT)

Appropriations actions are listed for Alabama, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alaska, Connecticut, and Missouri. They are divided into those signed by governors and those awaiting signatures. (MLW)

Examines the rationale and assumptions behind tuition-waiver legislation. An analysis of the literature suggested that older adults do have the ability to seek additional knowledge, but the desire to seek such knowledge through higher education is rare. Cost may not be the most critical barrier. (JAC)

According to the Maryland Court of Special Appeals, a teacher sentenced to probation as a first offender for residing in an apartment where marijuana was grown and used was improperly dismissed from her teaching position despite a state law protecting first offenders, but remained subject to dismissal for misconduct. (PGD)

Surveyed business communication educators and found widespread confusion about the existence and nature of Plain English laws. Concludes that legally compelling business to use plain language in consumer documents may be futile. (PD)

Describes the new equal education legislation in Massachusetts and how it will serve the goals of equity and excellence. Provisions include grants to serve the educationally disadvantaged, competency exams for students and teachers, and teacher incentive programs. Special assistance is directed toward communities with high drop-out rate and…

The author provides a first-person account of what a citizen group accomplished when they mobilized against the Duval County (Florida) law that raised state graduation requirements for vocational education students. What the group achieved and hopes to achieve in the future is discussed. (CT)

Information solicited on categorization practices throughout the United States examined existing educational provisions for chronically ill children. Results indicate that educational agencies are making efforts to meet the special needs of these children. Kinds of services offered, special problems encountered, and major difficulties to be…

The governor of Tennessee explains his master teacher proposal and asserts that it can both improve the quality of education in that state and give substantial raises to most teachers. (Author/GC)

Reviews state supreme court rulings on constitutionality issues raised by compulsory arbitration for public employees. Cases are reviewed for the states of Wyoming, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Nebraska, Maine, Michigan, New York, South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Washington. Concludes that courts have generally upheld the constitutionality of such…

Available from: EC 090 265.