In one Iowa school district's (state mandated) global education program, students contemplate (1) their roles and stakes in world issues; and (2) ways to pursue dreams and desired outcomes through available governmental and nongovernmental avenues. A sidebar describes the Odyssey of the Mind international problem-solving competition. (MLH)

Vermont excels at including children with disabilities in general education; here, 83% are educated in "regular" classrooms, compared to just 36% nationwide. Supportive demonstrations, training, funding, and policy-making efforts have resulted in fewer special-education student identifications, successful instructional support teams, and…

Summarizes a New York State Board of Regents study group's findings in four sections: an overview and critique of the real property tax; proposals for reforming this tax; proposals for shifting away from real property; and proposals for freeing resources by improving management of educational systems. Progress could be made on all fronts…

Students are taking more science and mathematics courses in high schools, and the data suggest that state policies are related to the increased enrollments. State graduation requirements have had limited success in increasing study of more advanced science and mathematics. NAEP proficiency scores for 17 and 19 year olds have increased…

To implement shared governance, 24 Georgia schools joined with the University of Georgia's Program for School Improvement (PSI) to form the League of Professional Schools. This article explains how staff at participating schools overcame the complexities of the new system by communicating openly and breaking issues down into small parts. (MLH)

The Eleventh Amendment was ratified in 1795 to afford protection for the states. Reviews the history and evolution of the amendment's interpretation. Highlights decisions in education law concerning whether state governments may repel claims by plaintiffs seeking federal authority over state laws, policies, institutions, and programs. (34…

Briefly discusses some aspects of the role of the state and the position of minorities in respect to alcoholism policies and services. Includes case study of a Black alcoholic. Refers readers to studies on Black alcoholism, Native American alcoholism, Hispanic alcoholism, and Asian-American alcoholism. (Author/NB)

Tenure has lost public legitimacy. Of 30 states reforming civil-service systems or proposing reforms, Georgia has gone the farthest. Since 1996, new state government hires have been "at will" employees. Erosion of private-sector union strength may aid antitenure political leaders' efforts. A sidebar outlines states' actions. (10…

California is field-testing a model to help new teachers become competent professionals via planning, teaching, reflecting, and applying. Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment/California Formative Assessment & Support System for Teachers acknowledges that teachers learn good practices gradually through consulting with colleagues and…

Summarizes background and aftermath of 1993 and 1997 New Hampshire Supreme Court unconstitutionality rulings against the state education finance system. Highlights "Claremont II," discussing initial responses, the Rubens constitutional amendment, the governor's ABC Plan, the bipartisan constitutional amendment, the 1998 governor race,…

Public schools' lack of common curricular and teaching goals provided the rationale for the standards movement. However, too many state standards documents provide insufficient clarity for teachers and students. Educators must focus on standards already assessed, add judiciously to the current list of standards, and avoid topic overload. (MLH)

An ASBO member and chair of New York's School Emergency Response to Violent Events (SERVE) explains how this program tackles violence and teen suicide. SERVE teaches the basic principles of hostage situations, uses a confidential reporting system, and advocates safety audits and risk-reduction strategies. (MLH)

State aid programs for local schools have not kept pace with New York State's ambitious, revamped Regents examination program. This paper explains a method for developing a comprehensive education cost index and shows how to incorporate it into a performance-based foundation aid system. (Contains 36 references.) (MLH)

Principals are pivotal in expanding opportunities for more inclusive programming while ensuring that students with disabilities receive carefully planned, individualized services. By allocating the necessary resources, providing inservice training, scheduling time for collaborative planning and preparation, and designing systematic program…

From a cost-benefit viewpoint, investing school revenues in small K-3 classes has great potential for improving productivity. Statewide class reduction initiatives in Indiana, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin have positively influenced student achievement, behavior, citizenship, and development. Districts cannot afford to ignore this mounting…