The impact of a court decision (McGann vs. H&H Music) concerning reduction of employee health insurance benefits in a case of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and the federal Americans with Disabilities Act on college decisions regarding reduction of benefits is examined. Recommendations for college are offered. (MSE)

Explores the constitutional amendments and federal laws that extended the right to vote to most citizens. Discusses the historical circumstances and social issues that surrounded passage of the 15th Amendment (elimination of racial barriers), 19th Amendment (women's right to vote), and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. (MJP)

Maintains that the National Voter Registration Act (the Motor Voter Law), which requires states to provide voter registration forms with vehicle registration and at public assistance sites, has increased dramatically the number of registered voters. Discusses legal challenges and answers critics' objections. (MJP)

Presents an excellent lesson plan discussing the repressive racial legislation that remained enforced in Illinois even after the repeal of slavery. Background material also covers the black communities' response to these racist laws. Includes teaching suggestions, handouts, and activities. (MJP)

This article addresses the definition of learning disabilities (LD), issues in identifying learning disability in young adults, the legal rights/protections for adults with LD in the workplace or higher education, and what are reasonable accommodations. Case vignettes provide examples of the issues. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This article discusses how special education reform movements continue to influence school practices regarding special education placement decisions and offers recommendations for promoting academic educational benefit for included students with mild disabilities. Schools are urged to make responsible decisions regarding inclusion by developing…

Given the changes in higher education since 1974, especially those introduced by infusion of technology into admissions, registrar, bursar, financial aid, and advising functions, it is suggested that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 may be inadequate to address current college-student privacy issues. Additionally, colleges…

This article describes critical events that have shaped gifted education, including: psychometrically-based pedagogy, the space race, the civil rights movement, passage of special education legislation, changing concepts of intelligence, brain based research, curriculum differentiation, the inclusion model of instruction, and funding of gifted…

Kentucky has sustained the most long-lasting comprehensive education reforms in the nation. Passage of the reform was based on a growing awareness of the state's inadequate education system and won broad support from citizens, business and education interest groups. The systemic package of curriculum and governance reform are tied to funding…

The ability of individuals to gain mastery over their environment is considered empowerment. However, empowerment often is assessed without attention to the historical, social, or political context the individual is embedded within. This context often is contingent upon social policies that enhance or limit the choices an individual has to behave…

In the three years that the Pinellas County, Florida, district has offered its more than 7,800 teachers a performance bonus as mandated by the state, exactly two have qualified and taken home the money. To get a paycheck topped up by 5 percent, Pinellas teachers are required to have had a hand in helping students raise their test scores by 120…

This article profiles the educational system of Ontario and discusses initiatives for students who are at-risk. It describes programs and services for students who are at-risk, relevant educational legislation, areas of strength, challenges that need to be overcome, and areas of action. Individual Education Plans are discussed. (Contains…

Legislative and programmatic efforts to improve teacher quality have become a major focus of state policymaking in recent years. States have employed numerous strategies in response to concerns about the preparation, quantity, and capacity of the teacher workforce. In this chapter, the authors introduce conceptual frameworks for understanding…

This practice parameter reviews the topic of psychiatric consultation to schools. The review covers the history of school consultation and current consultative models; the process of developing a consultative relationship; school administrative procedures, personnel, and milieu; legal protections for students with mental disabilities; and issues…

This article describes and evaluates a new alternative: distance-based training using live video and audio courses transmitted via the Internet. This alternative may address each of the problems described above, that is, it may provide a distant expert who selects and delivers training to paraprofessionals in a cost efficient manner. Because the…