In 1983, Massachusetts passed a law mandating that developmentally disabled students applying to state colleges and universities did not have to take standardized admission tests. An evaluation of the law's effectiveness and implementation indicates that other states should consider possible ramifications and confer with all concerned parties…

Using data from the 1800s, this article demonstrates how the study of state government actions vis-a-vis education can reveal a variety of useful insights on the politics of schooling and the ideology and structure of public education in the United States. (JDH)

California's efforts in recent years to strengthen education at all levels by statewide articulation and local and classroom reforms are outlined. Emphasis is on the need to strengthen teacher education by coordinating it more closely with other areas of higher education. (MSE)

Analyzes state and federal laws and court litigation bearing on legal issues arising from denial of education to New Jersey children in spouse abuse shelters. Includes an extensive bibliography and appendixes outlining guidelines for educating such children and delineating domestic violence shelter standards. (MD)

Analysis of changes in the graduation requirements, credit requirements, and curriculum in high school English in California since the adoption of minimum competency testing by state law during the 1976-77 legislative session suggests that statewide legislative mandates can have significant impact on school district programs and priorities. (PGD)

School board members can be more effective by following four rules: count their votes, comply with open meeting laws, live with press scrutiny, and learn the art of political decision making. (MD)

The elements leading to the establishment of the Ohio Board of Regents and the 10-year progress of state action as an agenda item in Ohio's public higher education are charted according to the Cobb and Elder model of participation in politics. (MSE)

The Georgia General Assembly in 1985 set up a matching gift program called the Eminent Scholars Program in which state matches dollar for dollar the income generated from gifts given specifically to endow chairs and professorships. The program in both Georgia and Florida are described.

The impact of Georgia's recent imposition of subject-oriented admission requirements on the University of Georgia starting in 1988 is discussed, and the standards are applied to a sample of 100 current students in both strict and liberal interpretations to determine the degree of current compliance or deficiencies. (MSE)

Examines some of the legal and practical matters involved when school boards adopt a policy giving competitive bid preferences to state and local vendors and contractors by penalizing the bids submitted by nonresident firms. (MLF)

Describes current attempts to legislate a requirement for schools to teach creation and evolution in South Carolina. Implications for this movement for the entire nation are discussed. (SL)

Reviews numerous state court cases involving school attendance laws and home instruction of school-age children by their parents. Discusses legal standards for judging the adequacy of home instruction and for determining whether the burden of proof lies with the parents or with the state. (JG)

In the ongoing struggle to provide low-income children with quality child care environments, National Association of Child Advocates (NACA) member Rhode Island KIDS COUNT has helped to establish the Rhode Island Child Care Facilities Fund (RICCFF). Helping child care providers to help themselves, the fund provides assistance in the form of…

This report presents an overview defining what constitutes a charter school and how the existing 22 charter schools in Indiana are funded. 36 charter schools have been approved in Indiana as of Spring 2005. Of these, 22 schools have already begun operating, 10 are slated to open in the coming years, 2 have been closed down before they opened, and…