Describes the events that led to legislation in New Jersey authorizing the establishment of a statewide multitype library network. The discussion covers the two levels of service provided by the network (statewide and regional), specific services available at the regional level, state funding of network services, public response, and plans for…

The education reform process in California is documented through the impact of the "Serrano" decision and Proposition 13. The reform has involved a steady decline in ranking of per pupil state expenditures with an increasing proportion of cost being transferred from the state to local districts. (JD)

Discusses the supervisory responsibilities generated by mandated changes in New York State testing procedures in social studies. Points out that the task in providing remediation programs is now more complicated. Discusses state guidelines for needs assessment, in-service training of staff, coordinating and planning for at-risk students, and…

A new Ohio statute, similar to other statutes nationwide, affords probationary teachers facing nonrenewal of their contracts many procedural protections, while at the same time increasing the administrative burden. The line of demarcation between legal protections for novice teachers and those for their experienced colleagues is becoming…

The article reviews state child care licensing legislation in light of reported child abuse and neglect in some such facilities. Recommended are licensing of all facilities of any size or religious affiliation, criminal record screening, at least annual inspections, unannounced inspections, and required notice to parents when abuse has been…

An Ohio court has overturned a previous ruling that a blind woman be admitted to medical school at Case Western Reserve University, arguing that the accommodations required to graduate her would be unfairly burdensome and would keep her from having the medical experience required of other students. (MSE)

A theory that urges judges to decide that locally financed school systems are unconstitutional holds that courts must implement reforms because the legislative process is dominated by property-rich communities. However, the defeat of a New Hampshire gubernatorial candidate who advocated such reforms contradicts the theory. (JOW)

A national survey determines that, following the passage of Public Law 94-142 relating to services for handicapped children, there has been a general increase in the number of states establishing certification standards for school support service positions. The positions most affected were in speech pathology and school psychology. (SLD)

Discusses reforms in adoption practice and policy to deal with the growing number of children who, because of age, health, or family background, are difficult to place with traditional adoption practices. Focuses on such reforms as open adoption, increased access to adoption records, and streamlined agency and court processes. (MDM)

Presents planning lessons from the Community Involved Charter School, a Jefferson County (Colorado) grassroots initiative. Planners should seek community involvement in envisioning the school; define roles for students, parents, teachers, and community members; decide how to administer the school; decide on specifics, such as school size; and seek…

A test that for a decade has been required of Florida college students before they can become juniors will, in 1996, become only one of four ways for students to demonstrate academic readiness. While some expect the change to reduce remedial enrollments, move students through college faster, and improve collaboration between public schools and…

Contains information to help child-care practitioners appropriately report child abuse. Addresses how to recognize and document abuse, what reporting abuse entails, and what happens after a report is filed. Contains state-by-state listing of abuse hotlines, sources for mandatory reporting laws, and resources such as telephone numbers and books.…

Criticizes California's Proposition 187 and the assertions underlying it, and discusses the implications of this legislation on future society. The article concludes with an outline of the legal hurdles Proposition 187 is facing and the potential consequences of this legislation for California. (GR)

For each of the 50 states, the outlook for higher education in the state legislature in 1992 is outlined. Information includes the date of the legislative session, budget request for higher education, prospects for the request, nonbudget issues likely to be considered, and issues specific to private colleges. (MSE)

Montana's school tobacco referendum includes youth in decisions regarding tobacco and health, demonstrating peer disapproval of tobacco use. The referendum, which asked students whether vendors should refuse tobacco sales to minors, follows the example of the Bozeman, Montana, school district in which secondary students and staff supported tobacco…