Virtual charter schools--public charter schools that operate entirely or mostly online--largely depend on self-paced, asynchronous (accessed at any time) instruction and often rely on parents to act as instructors, according to the US Government Accountability Office's (GAO's) review of a nationally representative sample of virtual charter school…

Almost 7 million children aged 3 to 21 received special education services under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in school year 2016-17. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked to review parents' use of the Individuals with IDEA dispute resolution options. This report examines (1) how often IDEA…

This hearing of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions examines the Strong Start for America's Children Act, a bill that will greatly expand access to high quality early learning experiences for children from birth through kindergarten. Following opening statements by Honorable Tom Harkin (Chairman, Committee on Health, Education,…

This hearing serves as a first in a set of hearings focusing on early learning. In his opening statement, Senator Tom Harkin, Chairman of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, strongly encouraged members of this committee on both sides of the aisle to hold roundtables and have discussions on early learning in their local…

The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) funds schools located on 63 reservations in 23 states across the nation. Of the 183 schools, 59 are Bureau operated and 124 are tribally controlled. One-hundred and sixteen schools provide instructional programs, 55 provide instructional as well as boarding services and 12 peripheral dormitories provide only…

This paper presents two forms of the Educational Quality Bill of Rights (EQBR). The first is a "one-page version", with a very brief single sentence identification of a key element of quality education in response to each of the key questions about the school (covering standards/learning goals, curriculum, instruction, etc.). The second is a "much…

The purpose of this document is to establish the minimum standards for approval of programs which meet the requirements of the Standards of Accreditation adopted by the State Board of Education February 22, 1984, and have been effective since June 1, 1987. Included are guidelines, which enable school districts to: (1) Establish equitable criteria…

This document describes Wisconsin's new law requiring the consent of a minor's parent or adult relative in order for a physician to perform an abortion on a minor. Part I describes highlights of the new law, including the consent requirement, exemptions, and court bypass procedure. Part II gives the background of the law, including incidence of…

The Kentucky Education Reform Act of 1990 (KERA) requires the implementation of school-based decision making in all Kentucky schools by July 1996. The school-based decision making process offers the opportunity for parents, teachers, and principals to use their knowledge and judgment in deciding how to best help children learn in their schools. A…

The arguments of the Canadian court case Elwood v. Halifax County--Bedford District School Board, which established educational rights for the disabled under the Canadian Charter of Rights, are reviewed and the text of the agreement reprinted. The case established precedents in mainstreaming disabled students and involving parents in educational…

The National Parent Teacher Association acknowledges parents' primary child-rearing role, but questions the need for legislation to extend parents' constitutional rights. Parents already have numerous rights and options for fighting "unreasonable" government interference. The laws that upset parental rights proponents are needed to…

Schools and courts must act together to provide students with, at least, partial control over their lives and their educational destinies. The status of the students as children and the court's position on the child are discussed in terms of student rights. (CJ)

Offers advice to administrators on how to avoid due process hearings related to special education programs. (WD)

This transcript of a Congressional House hearing on the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act focuses on the role of parents of 5 million schoolchildren with disabilities and ways to strengthen their involvement in their children's education. The transcript includes presented and/or prepared statements from: Cass…

This report describes the provisions, legislative history, and justification of the School Facilities Child Care Act. This act authorizes $30 million for each of the fiscal years 1985 through 1987 for grants to public and private nonprofit agencies and organizations to establish and operate school-age child care programs in public school…