The authors argue that the central struggle of correctional education organizational history has been to secure, consolidate, and improve correctional education services. They state that establishing a correctional school district is helpful in achieving this goal. Strategies are recommended. (Author/CH)

In response to the need to ensure that standards fulfill their promise of supporting a system of education that leaves no child behind, McREL created a multimedia, multi-site, ongoing nationwide dialogue related to standards-based reform efforts. These dialogues provided participants with opportunities to share underlying assumptions, beliefs, and…

Presents information from a research project that investigated advantages and disadvantages of the diversity of school management interests in Northern Ireland and the effects of direct rule on framing and implementing educational policy. The effect of direct rule on the power of English and Welsh local education authorities is also discussed. (SM)

Describes new curriculum developments, supervisory strategies, and management techniques that were found to have improved educational outcomes in 16 urban school systems. (GC)

This report synthesizes the experience-based ideas that emerged from small group interaction at the 16th annual Montana Rural Education Conference, which focused on the pros and cons of school district consolidation. Conferees first heard from panelists and speakers expressing a spectrum of positive and negative positions on the consolidation…

This paper explores educational financial flexibility with a focus on the specific issues surrounding local flexibility in North Carolina school districts. Strategies that states have used to increase local financial flexibility include waivers, reduction of budget categories, block grants, and school-based budgeting. The North Carolina system of…

Reports on the events leading to the court order placing control of the Cleveland (Ohio) school district in the hands of a court-appointed administrator. Discusses the desegregation plan and educational improvements that should be implemented. (SK)

This paper--part of a collection of 54 papers from the 48th annual conference of the Education Law Association held in November 2002--discusses open-meeting laws. All 50 states have adopted laws that require school officials to conduct their business in open sessions before the public and the press. This paper examines the Brown Act, California's…

Traces the trend toward increased local autonomy in Spanish education by placing this movement in historical context. Contends that public and social life in Spain may be disrupted by regional pressure for greater self-determination in education. Suggests that fundamental change will be best

Analyzes the concept of local control against a background of rising state control. Focuses on school funding, equity, the excellence movement, and diversity and proposes a statewide educational voucher system. Concludes that the traditional conception of local control must be updated, but that school-level control is essential to improving…

The report of the presidential Advisory Panel on Financing Elementary and Secondary Education presents the panel's philosophy, describes current problems, and recommends (1) returning financial autonomy to state and local levels, (2) dismantling the Department of Education, (3) deregulating public schools, and (4) encouraging school-based…

The article reviews the National Governors Association recommendation to allow parents to choose the public schools their children attend. Included are U.S. Secretary of Education William Bennett's comments on the recommendations and comments by other concurring educators. The role of school boards as elected representatives of the community is…

Rural education trends and issues confronting state legislatures are examined in this handbook of narrative as well as statistical tables. Designed to provide state legislators with information they need to better understand rural implications of statewide education reforms, the handbook presents a range of legislative alternatives in key areas.…