School legislation is often designed to alter the fundamental structure of the public education system. Article describes elements of charter-school legislation and provides examples of strong and weak laws. Discusses California's experience to date with charter schools, issues to consider when assessing the implications of charter-reform…

In the federal case from New Jersey, "Taxman v. Board of Education of Township of Piscataway," the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a school board cannot use affirmative-action guidelines to decide which employees will be laid off. This article explains the precedents upon which the court based its August 1996 decision. (LMI)

Describes the formation of Mississippi's community college system, indicating that it is the largest single sector of the state's postsecondary education system. Reviews the colleges' role in workforce training and economic development and their provision of advanced technology centers and distance learning. Discusses the future of the system. (27…

Outlines the legal issues surrounding the provision of school support services and assistive technology for children with disabilities. The definition of assistive technology and related services is examined, with findings from relevant case law provided. Information is provided on interpretation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973…

To counter Hispanic migrant youth's educational discontinuities and high dropout rate, Congress established the national Migrant Education Program as part of the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The Hawkins-Stafford Amendment (1988) expanded students' eligibility. Describes exemplary programs for older students: PASS (Portable Assisted…

Presents information on U.S. Congressional bills focusing on legislation against spam (electronic junk mail), estate tax elimination in 2011, and campaign finance law. Includes ideas for learning activities and lists Web sites that address these issues. Provides information on House bills from the 107th Congress on issues, such as Acquired Immune…

A study investigated the people and actions related to two successful gifted advocacy events that included state legislative changes. Five ingredients of success represented the key characteristics common to the leaders in each advocacy group: passion, preparation, inspiration, perseverance, and the ability to take advantage of serendipity.…

Explores the Navajo Nation Division of Social Services' efforts to transform the Bureau of Indian Affairs service delivery paradigm into a more holistic case management paradigm for child and family services congruent with Navajo culture and rural location. Discusses a composite case to illustrate issues experienced by many Navajo clients.…

Gopher and other early implementations of the virtual library are being superseded by the World Wide Web concept of "the global village library." Public libraries are implementing institutional Web pages, patron access to Internetwide e-mail, interagency programs, and Web training. Legislative issues and implications for the future are…

Explores the influences of two teacher associations, the Geographical Association and the National Association of Teachers of Home Economics and Technology, on the development of a national curriculum in the United Kingdom between 1976 and 1994. Although active, the organizations were fraught with internal dissent, organizational problems, and…

Describes the history and development of each of Montana's three community colleges, seven tribal colleges, and five vocational-technical institutes. Discusses issues facing Montana's postsecondary education institutions, including expanding educational opportunities; workforce development, articulation, and transfer; and restructuring of…

Describes the history, development, and characteristics of Arizona's public and private community colleges, noting that the former are overseen by the State Community College Board. Provides student demographics, and discusses the colleges' work in technology, telecommunications, distance learning, transfer programs, cooperation with businesses…

Maintains that Canada's expansive geography, endless, uninhabited coastlines, and long border make it vulnerable as an entry point for illegal drugs. Briefly reviews recent revelations regarding increased drug use and money laundering. Recommends stiffening current drug laws and increasing spending for education and rehabilitation. (MJP)

This article describes the legislative and policy provisions that support educational services for children with exceptional needs in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, Canada. The impact of the historical and cultural context on education is considered and significant achievements and challenges facing educators working to implement inclusion…

This article reviews special education in Ireland and concludes that despite greater resources in special education as a result of critical reports and legal judgments, Ireland has retained the parallel systems of special and mainstream education and placement of students with disabilities is still principally determined by a categorical approach.…