South Carolina's requirement that school districts identify and serve artistically gifted/talented students in grades 3-12 has led the State Department of Education to develop support activities, as establishing curriculum guidelines, showcasing successful programs, and creating leadership roles for the South Carolina Arts Commission and the…

Evaluated physicians' responses to Alabama state elder abuse reporting statutes in Alabama Protective Services Act of 1976. Survey responses from over 100 Alabama physicians suggest that they have reservations about their ability to diagnose abuse, operation of the law, and their willingness to report abuse. (Author/NB)

One aspect of universities becoming "big business" is the marketing and protection of trademarks. Universities have resorted to trademark infringement suits or licensing agreements. The historical purposes of trademark registration, the problems with litigating trademark infringement, and the advantages and disadvantages of licensing…

This paper integrates the findings of three studies that each analyzed the content of collective bargaining agreements, state statutes, and other documents. Taken together, the studies suggest that school districts are incorporating policies into collective bargaining agreements that run counter to school reform initiatives. (TJH)

At the aggregate level it appears that the state share of public school financing has shifted from parity to dominance. However, there is substantial diversity among states. Through a synthesis of the literature on fiscal federalism, political culture, state politics, and public policy, explanations are offered for this interstate divergence.…

Most of the 550 educators polled on corporate punishment oppose it. Supporters use corporal punishment because "it works," and out of frustration. Opponents consider it abusive, ineffective, and reinforcement for the strong bullying the weak. Included are comments from teachers and students, and a summary of state regulations. (IAH)

The introduction to two articles--one representing unions, the other management--notes that Ohio's four-year-old collective bargaining law can provide insight into how law is affected by the statutory language, the administrative bodies, and the courts' interpretations. (MLF)

Discusses "aftercare services," which refers to a range of support services in the postplacement phase of foster care for foster adolescents. Focuses on legislative and policy trends related to independent-living services and aftercare, independent-living subsidies, and the aftercare project of the Arizona Young Adult Program. (RJC)

The Supreme Court's majority and minority opinions in National Collegiate Athletic Association, Petitioner v. Jerry Tarkanian, are presented. (MLW)

Whether changes mandated by the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA) influenced eligible teachers to make the choice to retire was studied through a questionnaire completed by 70 former primary-level teachers. Fifty-two indicated that KERA had influenced their decisions, with philosophical disagreement with program components the reason most often…

Although Virginia's Governor Lowell Weicker comes from a privileged background, he has drawn himself close to the people. A liberal Republican with some strong conservative values, Weicker believes privilege means sacrifice in terms of time commitment and tax effort. Weicker has spearheaded legislation to benefit learning-disabled and economically…

To prepare students for a complex new world, Oregon legislators in 1991 overwhelmingly approved Oregon's Educational Act for the 21st Century. In 1995, they revised and reaffirmed this act's goals, strengthening efforts to make public education more academically rigorous and work-related (via Certificates of Mastery). Working this "seamless…

Uses Blau and Scott concept of "cui bono" to describe who has benefited from 1990 Kentucky Education Reform Act. In eyes of legislators, everyone would benefit, and the economically depressed state would prosper. As implementation of KERA progresses, it is becoming increasingly clear that mandated changes may be structural and may…

Discusses the issue of who has the right to sell or collect recyclables and the use of recycling flow control ordinances by local governments. Cites specific examples in California. (MDH)

Children's health and worker safety concerns are spurring parents and school employees to press for reduction of school pesticide use. Applying pesticides by fogging, broadcasting, or baseboard spraying is inappropriate in school settings. Describes integrated pest management practices in California, Maryland, and Indiana; local and state…