Argues that school boards must focus on improving academic achievement within the context of budget cuts, the No Child Left Behind Act, and the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision that educational vouchers are constitutional. Recommends affirmative school-board action such as developing school-community partnerships. (PKP)

This essay reviews "Special Education: A Matter of Choice" (Josephine Jenkinson), a book that discusses the major issues and changes that have occurred in special education in the various states and territories of Australia over the past 30 years. It is concluded that the book is an extremely useful guide. (CR)

Discussed are the intentions and strategies needed for developing a national technology policy. A critical technologies list prepared for the U.S. is compared to Japan's priority list. The history of technology legislation is presented. (KR)

In its first year (1986-87), a $37.4 million Connecticut aid program has markedly reduced disparities in teacher salaries and expenditures per pupil. This paper reviews the use of school aid increases in Connecticut, describes the simulation models used, explains the models' role in targeting state aid, and outlines the legislation and its…

Looks at the general legal entitlements of preschool handicapped children. Discusses school districts' responsibilities regarding accepting applications for service; evaluating the child; and devising a placement. Concludes with a discussion of legal remedies available when school districts fail to comply with their duties. (MLF)

Describes issues involved in the implementation of comparable worth in Canada. Discusses the international relevance of Canada's experience because of its extensive coverage, application to private sector, integration with collective bargaining, and emphasis on proactive approach. Discusses issues of fairness concerning practical aspects of…

This annotated bibliography presents 399 selected items from worldwide literature on inservice teacher training. Entries are arranged in eight thematic groups and listed in alphabetical order by author. Indexes by author and by country are included. An overview of inservice teacher education and an introduction to the bibliography are provided in…

Employs the case study approach to show how the Reagan Administration's assault on environmental policies more adversely affects blacks and other minority groups than whites. Reviews recent research that shows minorities heavily concentrated in dangerous occupations and communities where the risk of exposure to toxic pollutants is greatest. (JS)

The summer drought, the oil-market slump, and the desire for political popularity are among the causes for state financial problems. A report by the National Governors' Association and the National Association of State Budget Officers found that in 1987, the amount of money left in general-fund accounts was at its lowest point in 12 years. (MLW)

Discusses the problems associated with remediation in vocational education and job training and argues for the need to reform the current system. The authors explain that reform would require the coordination and referral mechanisms familiar to policymakers as well as pedagogical reforms that have rarely been considered. (GLR)

Provides an overview of the 1994 American Library Association Convention. Highlights include problems with the location; teen violence; federal legislation; awards; speakers; gender issues and technology, including video games and the Internet; intellectual freedom; multiculturalism and librarian recruitment; CD-ROM; and exhibits. (LRW)

Discusses the Clinton Administration's proposed overhaul of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), designed to assist the nation's poor and disadvantaged students. The new ESEA should set high standards for all children; focus on teaching and learning; stimulate local initiatives; reconnect schools, parents, and communities; and target…

Analyzes public interest in early childhood care and education (ECCE) policy. Chronicles federal policy in this area from the mid-1960s to the present, with particular attention to changes in the amount of funding and its allocation. Argues that ECCE policy is inadequately funded, fragmented, and internally inconsistent, and provides alternative…

Discusses the reasons for the decline and loss of American Indian languages in the United States and efforts to reverse this trend, including the effects of the Native American Indian Languages Acts of 1990 and 1992. It is argued that linguistic diversity and renewal has important social, cultural, and intellectual implications. (35 references)…

Assesses affirmative action policies and procedures in law and other professional school admissions programs. The author also reviews the guidelines that have been established to monitor and enhance the effectiveness of these measures. (GR)