This document presents an analysis of state legislation enacted and proposed in 1976 related to community and junior colleges. Data for this analysis were obtained from two sources--personal replies to a survey of state directors of community and junior colleges, and actual legislative documents from the states. Following an introductory section,…

This booklet presents a variety of updated information for use by study groups and others interested in Texas public school finance. Section 1 reviews various study group projects related to Texas school finance; section 2 reports on finance-related activities and research projects of the Texas Education Agency; section 3 lists several…

This study is one attempt to determine the size and nature of the fiscal reform the Illinois legislature must bring about in order to fulfill the requirements of Article IX, Section 5 of the Illinois Constitution of 1970 that calls for the abolishment of personal property taxes. Chapters discuss the legislative intent of the article and present a…

This article includes school improvement variables to be considered in the evaluation of school improvement under the provisions of California's AB 65. The variables are categorized as pupil and teacher attitudes, instructional methods involving pupils and teachers, and school plant data. (Author)

A brief review of three major lines of federal interest and action: (1) the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (the Buckley Amendment); (2) several legislative instruments intended to effectuate fairness in testing; and (3) the regulation implementing section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. (Author)

Changes in schools over the past two decades have stemmed largely from various legislative and community pressures. Some of these forces are briefly discussed and projected trends for the coming decade as they affect the schools and their media centers are described. (MJB)

The recent passage of legislation providing expanded financial support to elementary and secondary schools in California and its implications for educational improvement are discussed in this article. (JD)

The former Salt Lake City (Utah) superintendent, Donald Thomas, now the deputy superintendent in South Carolina, is interviewed about educational reform and the role of state and federal policymaking in the reform movement. (MD)

Divides the history of educational federalism into three eras: (1) Presidential Federalism (from the Constitution's enactment to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) in 1958); (2) Congressional Federalism (from ESEA until Reagan's election); and (3) Gubernatorial Federalism (the 1980's). Federal aid to education has been reduced,…

Examines potential threats to privacy posed by development of unified interaction systems in the home. Applicability of existing federal laws, constitutional provisions, and regulatory actions, and the possible technical and legislative actions that may be useful in curtailing possible privacy abuses in these systems are analyzed. (Author/MBR)

Using various means, 11 states have legislated a ban on school corporal punishment. Persuading other state legislatures to abolish it requires the following steps: develop a materials and information base, build broad-based support, use the media, move the bill through the state legislature, achieve incremental success, and overcome barriers. (JDD)

Describes the considerable amount of work and lengthy process of passing legislation to give foreign-language credit for American sign language in California high schools. (CB)

The paper reviews legislation authorizing services to elderly blind and visually impaired persons in Florida, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin; determines use of those services; and makes recommendations for developing additional needed services. It also summarizes 25 independent living grants given to states under Title VII-Part C of the…

Provides a demographic and fiscal profile of New Jersey's schools and analyzes equity implications of minimum teacher salary legislation for poor school districts. Direct salary impacts should not destabilize local finances or create undue fiscal distress. Other states considering similar legislation should first examine their economic…

For educational reform to succeed it must rely upon state and local leadership. Secretary of Education William J. Bennett outlines 10 questions important for state leaders to consider in relation to the development of quality education (MD)