This article presents a perspective for viewing mediation in resolving conflicts between parents and school personnel about the education of handicapped students. The appropriateness of mediation as well as its limitations are discussed, as are current uses of mediation in special education and legal problems and issues arising from its use.…

Presents findings of a national study regarding state-level educational policy for HIV-positive children and focuses on current implementation and practice of such policy, or lack thereof, as well as the states' perceptions of needed policy improvements. Analyzes responses in terms of states' experiences, need, and centralized decision making. (AF)

"Special Education Law," by Laura F. Rothstein, is organized into three major segments: (1) conceptual background material about the history of special education law; (2) analysis of issues in identification, evaluation, programing, placement, provision of related services, and due process protection; and (3) more esoteric legal matters.…

Three factors have contributed to government's increasing involvement in the content of university study programs: the "massification" of higher education, the theory of human capital and its application to economic policy, and the crisis of public financing and the welfare state. Instruments used to influence academic planning are…

Tenure arrangements are long-term contracts. If their duration is clear, they will protect academic freedom, provide institutions with the flexibility needed to meet changing circumstances, and comply with age-discrimination laws. Policy for the termination of tenure must be redesigned to satisfy competing needs and goals. (Author/MSE)

Discusses the struggles of middle- and lower-class black women to use social programs and affirmative action mandates to advance their status. Examines ways their struggles have affected their self-perceptions and relationships with each other. (Author/JS)

Congress will consider reauthorization of the Higher Education Act this summer. From our changing population will emerge the leaders of tomorrow. They are too important a resource to relegate to second-class citizenship because of a lack of access to education caused by inadequate federal support for financial aid. (MLW)

Integrates the major conclusions of the papers on comparable worth in this special issue, and identifies additional relevant issues. Covers the following major topics: (1) history and conceptual issues; (2) social psychological aspects to pay equity; (3) job evaluation issues and applications; and (4) policy implementation and implications. (JS)

California state policies and regulations that force teacher education programs to limit enrollment because of insufficient resources, and discourage immigration of out-of-state teachers contribute to California's critical shortage of teachers. In addition, the quality of elementary instruction is jeopardized by regulations that diminish…

Fourteen articles on the education of the gifted child in Canada are presented. Topics addressed include the giftedness construct, Canadian law and policy, integrative program policy, program planning and evaluation, teacher training, disabled gifted students, psychosocial dimensions of giftedness, the Ontario experience, innovative and…

According to a report published by a University of Chicago political science professor, the Reagan Administration attempted to dismantle the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights (OCR). Dr. Gary Orfield argues that during the Reagan presidency, OCR removed the threat of any enforcement of civil rights in higher education. (AF)

Some states are mandating basic skills testing and encouraging comprehensive universities to provide remedial programs for students who do not pass the tests. Texas House Bill 2182 is an example of this trend and is discussed in light of 10 key issues posed by assessment experts. (Author/MLW)

Reviews the activities of the New Christian Right (NCR) related to teaching evolution in the public schools. Describes the effects of legislation and court litigation on the NCR's efforts to eliminate secular humanism from textbooks. Provides an NCR definition of secular humanism. (LS)

Argues that the gifted student is usually excluded, by definition in federal law, from classification as emotionally disturbed. Outlines areas of conflict that may lead to emotional disturbance in rural gifted students. Suggests positive teacher interventions to create a supportive learning environment and lower student stress. 40 references. (SV)

Traces how state departments of education have evolved because of external pressures; how this is related to the responsibility of departments of education with local school systems in facility planning; how this varies by state; and how issues of educational equity, maintenance needs, and capital projects may increase departments' involvement.…