An attorney cites the needs for legislation to secure the rights of hearing impaired persons in legal issues (to assure confidential communication between attorney and client and to provide interpreter services), in automobile driving and insurance, and in unanswered questions regarding P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act.…

Discusses the Colorado state Bilingual-Bicultural Education Act, passed in 1975, focusing on the implementation of the law, the law's effects, problems in implementing the law, and issues in assessing the success or failure of the implementation of the law. (JM)

Noting the philosophy behind the issue of individual privacy, the author reviews federal legislation (the 1973 Health, Education, and Welfare Report; the Privacy Act of 1974; C.H.R. 1984 designed to extend provisions of the Privacy Act to the private sector) and state legislation, concluding with suggested guidelines for future legislation. (JT)

A 1976 survey of state legislation relating to community colleges indicates that community college funding is a major issue with legislators. State legislators also acted on a wide range of other topics. Survey results are presented and discussed. (DC)

Reviews efforts and accomplishments of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers movement. Identifies eight measures of state legislation and state policy concerning drunk driving and ranks each state on the measures. Offers proposal for adoption of a state agency designed to meet problem of drunk driving through administration at the local level. (Author/NB)

Higher education must tell legislatures how the state should raise the money the colleges want to spend--even if it means higher taxes--and then lobby on behalf of those proposals. This also means addressing new and potentially controversial issues about the role of colleges in state politics. (MLW)

Reports the first decade of diverse accomplishments in public education and state government by the North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research. The accomplishments described include the importance of research findings in influencing governmental decisions, public education about government and policy issues, and monitoring legislative…

Uses Florida as an example of statewide testing in the United States and presents an unfavorable comparison with the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), to be used in the United Kingdom. Major points of concern are (1) the multiple choice format, and (2) lack of teacher input. (NH)

Discusses the liberalization of rules of evidence in child sexual abuse cases in order to protect the child victims and benefit families. Some states have enacted legislation simplifying introduction of the child's out-of-court statements, although constitutionality has yet to be tested. (Author/NH)

Presents results of a 2-year study of Michigan's recipient rights protection system. Found weaknesses in the use of the system and its integration into agency operations, but overall effectiveness. Discusses implications of the system for other states. (Author/MCF)

Discusses the trend toward centralized decision making in schools brought about by state legislatures specifying curricular details. In the process, authority is shifted upwards to state level, and professionals become demoralized about changing or improving their schools' curricula. Citing Texas legislation and 11 other references, this paper…

Discusses legal requirements to be met in order for a child to testify, and when the use of audiovisual testimony is possible. Considers stress factors involved when a child is testifying, particularly in child abuse cases, and how audiovisual testimony can alleviate this problem. Discusses the 1983 Texas statute. (BB)

Calls for action to mitigate the crisis in science education that emerged in 1982 from segments of the American population, including scientists, science educators, and politicians. Florida's response to the crisis is reported, considering pertinent legislation, implementing the legislation, and the Florida Omnibus Education Act of 1984. (JN)

West Virginia's "Master Plan for Public Education" calls for a Professional Performance Assessment of student teachers in field-based programs. The challenge is to incorporate the assessments in the least intrusive manner. While there is skepticism, some cooperating teachers hope the screening will result in better-prepared student…

Child abuse is an issue of growing public concern. Seven questions and answers are presented pertaining to the legal risks and responsibilities of school personnel in reporting cases of child abuse. (TE)