Outlines the complicated constitutional system on which our country is based. Reviews the system of checks and balances, the judiciary system, and the political system and how they have worked to ensure that the government represents the will of the people. (MD)

Evaluates the "expanding environments" approach to social studies education. Argues that the sequence fails to portray the political environment realistically. Suggests an alternative approach that would bring all political organization levels together at each grade level. Concludes that such an approach would give students a more…

Discusses a Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) publication designed to provide financial statement users with information to assess a government's actual and future deposit and investment market and credit risk. (MLF)

To gauge the civic knowledge and skills of the nation's 4th-, 8th-, and 12th-grade students, an assessment has been scheduled for 2006 by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). This assessment will enable NAEP to report on trends in civics achievement from 1998 to 2006. The National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB), NAEP's…

The Government Accounting Standards Board's Insurance Issues Project has issued an invitation to comment on two issues: (1) whether governmental risk pools should follow the same accounting principles as commercial insurance companies and (2) financial statement disclosures required of entities with public accountability (MLF)

The use of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) by all state and local governments may require legislation. Findings from a survey of states to get data on current accounting and financial reporting practices are summarized. Model legislation to provide uniformity in accounting and reporting is presented. (MLF)

Presents the history, advantages, and requirements of the Association of School Business Officials' Certificate of Excellence Program. Receiving a Certificate of Excellence provides evidence of the integrity and technical competence of a school system's fiscal administration to the board members and superintendent. (MLF)

The Government Accounting Standards Board's current Measurement Focus and Basis of Accounting Project has identified alternatives in financial resources accounting that will reduce the opportunity for political, budgetary, or other pressures to allow school districts to shift the burden of providing current-year's services to future-year's…

The two papers in this document focus on two different major educational reforms and their continuing central issues in California's comprehensive school finance legislation of 1981. The first report, "The Waiver Process for California's Educational Code," by David R. Pacheco, examines the legislation that delegated to nonelected board…

Case studies on ministries of education were sought from states with populations under 1.5 million and displaying a wide range of economic, geographic, and cultural diversity. The introduction has six main sections: (1) information on definitions and the contents of the book; (2) an account of other Commonwealth Secretariat initiatives on…

Asserts that, if current demographic trends continue, 25% of Canada's population will be 65-years old or older by the year 2031. Discusses the impact of these trends on public spending, health care, and other public policies. Concludes that sound planning and judicious use of resources can help prevent any compromises. (CFR)

This monograph, one in a series on theory and educational issues in Australia, explores links between education and political and economic structures. Two sections provide an analysis of an education-work program and five readings. The Transition Education Program is described as a government response to the 1979 economic crisis. The policy and…