The case study of a school involved in a pilot study of the use of a state-mandated teacher evaluation system as a tool for professional development is presented. Eight principles that can be used to guide future school improvement efforts grounded in classroom-based assessments of teaching and learning are identified. (SLD)

Three high schools in Minnesota's Twin Cities area exemplify impressive educational equalization gains stemming from a 1971 law shifting school funding from local taxes to state income and sales taxes. Although the schools vary in structure, populations, and leadership style, all are accomplishing major restructuring efforts via flexible…

Discusses history and purpose of state open-records laws. Surveys how parties make open-records requests, various causes of action, and sanctions for noncompliance. Examines how open-records requests related to district investigations can implicate the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. Attempts to find appropriate balance between public's…

Discusses Utah's competency-based education bill (S.B. 154). Includes graduation requirements, role of local boards, task force charge, alternative teacher certification, state education summit, state board of education role in the bill's implementation. (PKP)

Examines the effects of the Illinois Property Tax Extension Limitation Law on the revenue growth of collar counties and suburban school districts in Cook County. Finds that the law negatively affects revenue growth. Also finds, for example, that a majority of school business officials are motivated to increase their districts' bonded indebtedness.…

The Intensive Protective Supervision Project (IPSP) is a juvenile justice program in North Carolina designed to assist status offenders. Several legislative and programmatic influences antedated the current program. This article provides a brief summary of three major events affecting the evaluation of the IPSP. (TJH)

The "support not supplant" theory of family support services is explained, and results of a national study of trends in family support are analyzed. Current efforts, state legislation, funding levels, respite services, financial assistance, and emerging issues are discussed. A directory of state family support programs is appended. (PB)

Discusses the following aspects of child abuse laws and the policies derived from them: (1) vagueness of the laws; (2) implications for school policy and liability; (3) staff training requirements; (4) confidentiality; (5) protection teams; (6) abuse by school staff; (7) corporal punishment as abuse; and (8) prevention programing. (JS)

Points to an increased national awareness of the importance to society of provision for children's and families' needs. This awareness has resulted in new levels of legislative action. Discusses what Alaska has and has not achieved, cites movements in other states, and offers a call to vigorous action. (NH)

Regents are not provided with clear guidelines on the management of endowment funds. Trustees are advised to prepare an investment plan that includes: (1) specific long-term goals; (2) plans for performance measurement; (3) current income needs; (4) acceptable investment instruments; and (5) specific time tables for review. (MLF)

A sweeping parental choice bill passed recently in Minnesota spearheaded parental choice plans recently passed or under consideration in more than a dozen states. Explores the background and pros and cons of parental choice. (MLF)

Presents the first in a multi-part series of procedures on risk management of child abuse in child care settings. This part suggests steps in collecting information and clarifying circumstances. (BB)

The Minnesota Business Partnership (MBP) was studied as a policy innovator in state school reform (for kindergarten through grade 12) in relation to agenda setting, alternative formulation, and authoritative enactment. Focus is on the MBP's policy-making involvement during the 1985 state legislative session. Overall, the MBP's influence was…

True educational reform is the creation of a renewed identity at the school and classroom level when teachers and students interact in new, more productive ways. This article describes California's educational reform movement, presents evidence of successful change, and identifies where continued work needs to be done. (TE)

Arena models developed by T. Mazzoni relating to policy innovation are applied to the passage of open enrollment legislation in Ohio. The macro arena was relatively inactive, but a shift from the subsystem to the leadership arena occurred, partially validating Mazzoni's revised model. (SLD)