Interest and pressure group activity is analyzed in the context of state public employee relations laws and state "open meeting" laws. Suggests that the courts and state labor relations boards are susceptible receptors of pressure- and interest-group influence. (Author/IRT)

Because of a tax-rate drop and problems associated with the state's new equalization plan, New Trier is facing severe cutbacks in its two high schools. (IRT)

Describes a model code that attempts to reshape education through legislation at the state level. (Author/IRT)

The author identifies various models for screening communication problems and discusses them in relation to the guidelines of Chapter 115 (Wisconsin State Law) which specifies that all students entering a school district for the first time shall be screened. (IM)

Describes opportunities and challenges for states presented by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act. Discusses the plan to pay incentives to states and the possibility for greater flexibility in the state welfare program. Predicts increases in expectations for effectiveness and efficiency in child support enforcement…

Examines state variations in use of mediation to resolve domestic relations disputes. Mediation may be optional or mandatory, requested by the parties or the judge. Mediator qualifications vary considerably. Child support is less likely than custody and visitation to be the sole topic for mediation. More states are likely to use mediation in…

In 1986, new statutes provided New Jersey's nine state colleges with autonomy from the state government for specific administrative, fiscal, and personnel matters, with boards of trustees assuming greater responsibility and authority. Discusses the transition process and reviews the outcomes of the new governance pattern. New Jersey's experience…

Studied the distribution of emergency permit teachers in California, finding that in 2000-2001, 34% of all first-year teachers in California held emergency permits. Discusses initiatives that might decrease the need for emergency permit teachers and ensure that those who are hired receive the support they need to become credentialed teachers. (SLD)

An electronic requisition and purchase-order system helps Louisville's schools stay legal and efficient. Designated individuals in schools create requisitions electronically and route them to the purchasing department, which generates and sends out paper purchase orders after checking the requisitions for correctness and legality. (MLF)

Provides an update of the case law dealing with assaults on school personnel, including an illustrative Arizona case followed by a question-and-answer discussion posing certain hypothetical situations concerning the facts and law of the case. Draws implications for policy and practice. (Contains 13 references.) (PKP)

Describes racial profiling both as a form of systemic (indirect) racism and a specific (direct) racist practice that violates individuals' civil rights. Outlines efforts by the ACLU to show how they are attempting to fight racial profiling, focusing on the litigation efforts, legislative efforts, and public education efforts. (SM)

Describes Florida's statewide effort to provide a means of collecting information on perceptions of safety held by students, teachers, and administrators to enhance the currently available school crime and violence data collected through the statewide incident referral system. Documents the design process and development of two statewide model…

Discusses political, legislative, and equity issues related to educational voucher programs in Cleveland, Ohio; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Florida. (Contains 22 references.) (PKP)

Describes implementation of Arizona's performance-based pay initiative wherein many districts use a combination of teaching skills and student achievement to determine teacher performance. (Contains 10 references.) (PKP)

Examines Georgia's use of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax for Education (ESPLOST). Finds that ESPLOST increases revenue disparities among districts. Discusses policy implications. (Contains 36 references.) (PKP)