Discusses child custody issues in legal practice which conflict with the child's need for security. Issues include: 1) modification of child custody decrees; 2) grandparent visitation legislation; and 3) protection of the custodial parent-child unit. (RJC)

Describes the process for reporting and investigating child sexual abuse cases. Reporting mandates are discussed, as are several concerns and criticisms about how these mandates are implemented. Additionally discussed are key issues related to the investigation of claims. Specific controversies, such as those concerning the use of videotaping,…

Analyzes state statutes to determine which legislation mandating school reform had been enacted between 1987 and 1992. Findings suggest that the plethora of legislation will probably continue, that community involvement in education will probably expand, and that educators should prepare themselves for redefined educational goals and restructured…

If implemented, California's Proposition 187 (the "Save Our State" initiative) would create a state-run system to verify the legal status of all persons seeking public education, health care, and public benefits. The frustrations resulting from Proposition 187 and its implications for immigrants are explored. (SLD)

Presents a specific model law establishing educational choice called the "Scholarship Initiative." Cast in the form of a state constitutional amendment, the model provides a basic framework if reform is attempted through statutory change. (47 footnotes) (MLF)

This article examines the definition of preschool gifted education in Louisiana, describes a publicly funded preschool gifted program, and discusses issues pertaining to a parent evaluation of the program. The evaluation covered: certification and teacher effectiveness, instruction, inservice education, special education paperwork and program…

This review of statutory and case law contributing to the current litigious environment of colleges and universities identifies specific critical legal precedents affecting college presidents, especially increased personal liability. A list of 14 recommendations is attached. (DB)

Argues that for a community to maintain control over its public schools it must make the school board accountable for the performance of the school and all of its employees. The authors suggest a new approach to school-board elections, addresses key elements needed in state legislation, and explains the existing roadblocks to change. (GLR)

Superintendents in 153 cities with populations of from 50,000 to 100,000 were sent questionnaires asking information about school board members. Responses from 89 superintendents provided information about 597 board members. Findings indicate that whether or not board members receive pay has little effect on the makeup of school boards. (MLF)

Compares the Florida Educational Reform Act of 1983, a teacher merit pay program, with similar programs in other states and countries. Studies the reform's inception, implementation, and decline, using the concepts of coalition-building, fiscal support, and various work arenas (legislative and executive, administrative, professional organizations,…

Environmental, cost-benefit, and regulatory reasons for colleges to have a comprehensive consumption and waste management program are offered, and elements in a policy statement on recycling and resource use are outlined, including encouragement of precycling, reduction of use of disposable products, separation of recoverable and recyclable…

Reviews developments in the law regarding student affirmative action in college admission and financial aid, and reflects on the growing trend toward state referenda banning preferences based on race and gender. (Author)

A survey of students in 125 randomly selected public high schools in Kentucky revealed minimal student involvement in school decision making. However, 77% of respondents would like to be involved. Principals surveyed closely supported students' views. Recommendations for principals and school councils are discussed. (MLH)

Analyzes six issues collectively addressed in school-finance-equity rulings by the supreme courts of New Jersey, Vermont, Ohio, and New Hampshire: responsibility for public education, court jurisdiction, constitutional definitions of an efficient/thorough education, district funding levels, state education-finance systems, and property-tax/funding…

Project Horizon, Utah's statute to reduce the economic and social cost of recidivism, shifted funding for correctional education to the state education agency. Parolees who participated in Project Horizon had an 18-20 percent lower recidivism rate than nonparticipants and found post-release jobs 89 percent of the time. (JOW)