On August 22, 2005, the Governor issued an executive order requiring that "65 percent of school district funds be expended for instructional purposes as defined by the National Center for Education Statistics." A similar mandate had appeared in versions of HB 2, the school finance bills debated during the special sessions. This paper…

To preserve and perpetuate the ideals and principles of American democracy it is essential that they be understood. This publication, based upon research, brings to the school administrator, the teacher, or the layman an opportunity to further understand these ideals and principles. It presents a concise analysis and compilation of State laws…

The charter renewal decision is one of the most significant high stakes decision in public education. It determines the continuing existence or termination of a school. It has the potential to be a celebration of the accomplishments and success of a school--and its students--that was built from the ground up a few years earlier. In some sense, the…

Two underground schools in Santa Ana are an interesting solution to California's need for new schools that will resist earthquakes. (Author)

Discusses the effects of recent Maryland legislation which gave that state full fiscal responsibility for all new school building construction. (JF)

Examines the legal responsibilities of support by stepparents for stepchildren during a remarriage and notes the impact of the divorce on child support and visitation and custody after divorce from the remarriage. Reviews recent state legislation and recent court decisions about stepchildren. (Author/JAC)

In the proposed Master Teacher Program, training, experience, and performance determine pay. Four career stages are set up for teachers: apprentice, professional, senior, and master. An estimated 87 percent of all Tennessee teachers would be eligible for pay incentives ranging from $1,000 to $7,000 a year. (PB)

Researchers studied how one county in Florida responded to a state-mandated Primary Education Program (PREP), which requires school districts to provide early intervention services in kindergarten through third grade. The program concentrates on early diagnosis and prevention of problems. Teachers' and administrators' views of the program are…

Recent court involvement in cases dealing with state regulation of private schools is discussed. Results of court litigation of these cases will have some effect on the future status and role of teachers and teaching. (CJ)

Discusses limits and strengths of existing procedural protections for persons affected by the implementation of block grants. Identifies the areas in which State or Federal legislation is most needed to ensure that people are treated fairly and that resources are distributed efficiently. (Author/GC)

Responding to renewed interest in merit pay and master teacher plans, this article reviews surveys and local plans and finds that successful plans exist in areas with adequate salaries and evaluation measures. "Career Ladders" based on incentives and/or additional responsibilities are also examined. (MD)

Presents a partial transcript of a Congressional committee hearing at which Representative Bobbi Fiedler of California testified in favor of voluntary desegregation methods rather than mandatory busing in order to implement the goals of school desegregation and equal education in Los Angeles, California. (MJL)