Traces the development of new research approaches to the history of elementary education. Examines the impact of the 1870 legislation that instituted compulsory education on the elementary school system. Assesses this impact on the school system in the context of the wider social structure. Includes quantitative studies on school attendance, age,…

A former Secretary of Education outlines ways in which the new secretary can provide the leadership necessary to make America a nation of learners, through relationships with the Cabinet, the President, Congress, and the education community. (MSE)

Presents two opposing viewpoints concerning the legalization of drugs. States that control efforts are not cost effective and suggests that legalization with efforts at education is a better course of action (W. Chambliss). The opposing argument contends that the cost in human suffering negates any savings in dollars gained through legalization…

The policy issues confronted by state governments in the area of early childhood programs are examined. Important points in decision making are the contents and financing of the programs and the trade-off between cost and quality. Three appendices include data sources, financial information, and policy options. (Author/VM)

Congressional intent and regulations, and court decisions interpreting the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, recognize the preference for mainstreaming handicapped children. Cases discussed indicate that mainstreaming is secondary to the goal of the Act to provide an appropriate education that meets the unique needs of each handicapped…

Reports the results of a quasi-experimental evaluation of the effects of the California English-only law on public librarians' acquisition policies and attitudes toward books in Spanish for children and young adults. The results, which showed no effects, are interpreted in terms of the symbolic functions of legislation and public policy. (seven…

Suggesting racial discrimination hurts Whites and Blacks, Bell argues that the compromises on slavery in the U.S. Constitution set precedents for continual sacrifice of Black rights to White interests. Argues sense of racial superiority among poor Whites allows them to accept their lesser share in society. Highlights key civil rights cases,…

From a Hispanic perspective, the current educational reform movement is closely related to three other contemporaneous policy agendas that imply an increasingly ethnocentric policy environment: (1) the Immigration Reform and Control Act; (2) the English-only movement; and (3) efforts of the Department of Education to sabotage the Bilingual…

Discussion centers on the legal bases by which school administrators permit access to public educational facilities by religiously and politically oriented student organizations. It concludes that access should be granted to students whose purposes do not disrupt teaching and learning. (JAM)

Federal laws protecting those with disabilities from discrimination are reviewed, and court decisions that have interpreted federal law are examined to see how the respective interests of professional disabled students and school administrators were treated. Implications for dental schools are considered. (Author/MSE)

Discussion of assistive technologies that help students with multiple impairments focuses on procedures and equipment used by a college student with Usher's Syndrome, involving vision and hearing impairments. Highlights include federal legislation; problems and possible solutions at various educational levels; specific learning problems; and…

Asserts that it is ironic to discuss issues of control of arts education policy at a time when national and state leaders describe the public education system as out of control. Examines litigation as an "engine" or driving force of the influence and control of arts education policy from three perspectives. (CFR)

Discusses the impact of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act on student affairs. Examines several important court cases. Posits student affairs professionals can have a leading role in annunciating the appropriate nexus between policy and developmental practice. (JBJ)

Outlines the purpose and principles of the Goals 2000: Educate America Act signed into law in April 1994. The Goals 2000 legislation will establish world-class academic and occupational skill standards; position the federal government in a more cooperative and less dictatorial role regarding state and local authorities; and establish a framework…

Reviews educational reform efforts in Israel. Identifies mechanisms that constrain reform in a centralized educational system. Contends that successful reform implementation requires responding to client needs and efforts to unite both political interest groups in support of reform policies. (CFR)