The Texas statute denying undocumented aliens a free public school education does not pass muster under strict scrutiny and is, therefore, unconstitutional. Available from the Texas International Law Journal, 2500 Red River, Austin, TX 78705; sc $4.00. (Author/IRT)

Chronicles the history of racial separation in North Carolina's system of higher education. Shows that desegregation progress has been minimal and stresses the importance of strengthening the educational program at predominantly Black North Carolina A & T in order to better serve all students. (GC)

A mineral agreements expert discusses the options open to tribes, from the most standard lease form to arrangements as yet untried by Indian Nations. Discussion covers 18 basic provisions for inclusion in agreements, tax considerations, and basic forms of petroleum agreements (leases, joint ventures, production sharing, and service contracts).…

Explores the implications for California schools from new legislation calling for school improvement and, at the same time, Proposition 13 that reduced the property taxes. (Author/MLF)

Examines the deficient labeling techniques, the inefficient funding mechanisms, and the administrative problems inherent in Public Law 94-142 and in some similar state legislation. Offers suggestions for remedying these weaknesses. Available from DePaul University College of Law, 25 E. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604; single copy $5.00.…

The limited extent to which the new copyright act altered performers' rights is examined with emphasis on the broadened provisions that preempt the state law remedies available to performers. The arguments concerning revision of the present law to expand performers' rights are considered and it is argued that the case for greater protection is a…

Substantive changes in the structure and operation of the Colorado Commission on Higher Education have left the agency with limited influence. (Author/MLF)

Examines the legislator's role as education policy expert in the legislative policymaking process. In a study of Louisiana state legislators, analysis of variance was used to determine expert legislators' degree of influence in formulating educational policy, given differences in policy types, information sources, and legislators' work roles.…

Examines the legal issues regarding participation of home-schooled students in the extracurricular-activities program of the public schools. Concludes that parents could attempt to influence state legislatures to enact statutes specifically opening public school programs, including extracurricular activities, to home-schooled students. (70…

Discusses the effect of California's Proposition 227, passed in June 1998, requiring all children to be taught English in English. Reports that enrollment in bilingual education in elementary and secondary schools declined significantly between 1997-98 and 2001-2002, while the academic achievement of English Learners not enrolled in bilingual…

Outlines trends in school finance litigation. Examines definitions of fiscal equity, reviews 20 years of litigation, and analyzes recent legal activity. Recent litigation has challenged some states' school finance systems. Court decisions have split evenly regarding permissible disparities in per-pupil operating expenditures, a measure of…

Examines how the federal accountability mandates affect the design and implementation of Title I schoolwide programs in three urban school districts: Chicago, Cleveland, and Detroit. Using case studies developed in each district, examines Title I schoolwide programs within the context of state and district policies adopted to meet the federal…

Examines political changes in the educational finance policy of nine Midwestern states between 1991 and 2001: Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. Includes comparison of basic funding structures, commitment to educational equity, and changes in funding mechanisms. Concludes that states will have to…

Describes how opinion by North Dakota's attorney general allows school district and city of Jamestown to collaborate in the issuance of bonds for school construction and renovation projects, three-quarters of the revenue for which is raised by a voter-approved city sales tax. (PKP)