Examines the impact of federal civil-rights legislation on the ability of Catholic colleges and universities to engage in mission-centered employment in the context of "Ex Corde Ecclesiae," the Papal constitution on higher education. Argues that Catholic schools would not be in violation of this legislation, but instead would be…

Provides an overview of some of the key provisions in the Individual with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 and its accompanying regulations. Discusses changes in provisions affecting student placement in the least restrictive environment, the Individualized Education Program including transitional services, funding, reevaluations, and…

Asserts that the country's current education system, comprised of local school boards, is fragmented and unfair. Proposes a national education congress to provide direction, promote a more unified effort, and ensure that the education system is responding to the best interests and needs of the American people. (EV)

Presents the materials and procedures for a lesson plan designed to teach students to understand the functions and issues concerning Congress and to identify appropriate representatives and senators. Instructional activities include having students investigate the work of various committees, doing research on the Internet, and contacting their…

This paper reviews the Supreme Court's Zebley decision which expanded the definition of disability in young children by including functional equivalence; compares regulations and practices under the Social Security Administration and Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; and offers guidelines concerning the intent of the law,…

Presents case studies on children's exposure to pesticides, including risks through the use of the insecticide aldicarb on bananas, the home use of diazinon, and the use of interior house paint containing mercury. These cases illustrate how regulatory agencies, parents, health-care providers, and others who come into contact with children have…

Discusses the U.S. Copyright Office's May 25, 1999 Report on Copyright and Digital Distance Education. Presents the Register of Copyrights' recommendations to Congress as to how to "promote distance education through networks, while maintaining an appropriate balance between the rights of copyright owners and the needs of users of copyrighted…

Presents a series of articles that examine decision making in school construction and renovation projects. Topics include preparing for a construction project, purchasing windows that provide protection at a reasonable cost, choosing the best flooring and carpeting, and dealing with deregulation. An industry roundtable discussion on project…

Discusses adverse effects of FCC deregulation of children's television programming on children's play behavior. Discusses the difference between play and imitation, the role of high quality dramatic play in healthy child development, the popularity of war play, and use of toys to increase dramatic play. Considers ways to help children gain control…

Appointed by the U.S. Access Board, the Recreation Access Advisory Committee developed guidelines for making outdoor recreation facilities and areas accessible to persons with disabilities. Following negative public comment, a regulatory negotiation committee conducted public meetings and devised accessibility guidelines for trails that allowed…

This response argues that, although evaluation of student learning is required for accountability, high stakes testing is not required and may even be counterproductive. It also questions whether the goals of the "No Child Left Behind Act" are reasonable and contends that, if they are not, there may be no justification for imposing…

The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), the most current revision of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 notwithstanding, the more than 100 page long Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the most comprehensive, expensive, and litigated federal statute impacting on public education in the United States. Enacted…

Many universities are grappling with the issue of diversifying the faculty lines in higher education. While this appears to be a global issue across disciplines, those of us who are in special education may find it to be of greater concern because special education legislation, the Individuals with disabilities Act (IDEA) strongly supports…

Mathematics achievement data from three longitudinally matched student cohorts were analyzed with multilevel growth models to investigate the viability of using status and growth-based indices of student achievement to examine the multi-year performance of schools. Elementary schools in a large southwestern school district were evaluated in terms…

This report presents recommendations for performance indicators for Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), with emphasis on indicators reflecting the needs of the Education Department. Themes of the indicators include more attention given to "context variables" such as low birth-weight infants and drug abuse…