This participant's manual is part of a training program sponsored by IL NET, a national training and technical assistance project working to strengthen the independent living movement. It is intended to teach participants what the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) law and regulations require, how to do transition planning and the…

This report highlights issues for policymakers and provides guidance to states and localities implementing the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) by describing the successes and struggles of five cities implementing the new legislation. It presents WIA's basic framework and discusses its impact on these four major audiences: employment and…

This bulletin reports on the changes and progress in practice and conditions in: (1) School Housing; (2) Playgrounds; (3) Medical inspection; (4) Dental work; (5) Nutrition; (6) Open-air schools and open-window rooms; (7) The summer camp; (8) Other special schools and classes; (9) Health education; (10) Physical training; (11) Safety and first…

Provides a brief overview of the current arguments concerning campaign finance reform and congressional term limits. Discusses limits on spending, special interest contributions, "soft money," the power of incumbents, and the role of Political Action Committees. Includes a brief historical synopsis of campaign finance reform movements.…

Examines the geographical and political forces that are central to the process of legislative redistricting. Reviews the historical background of the redistricting process and discusses the importance of minority representation. Briefly looks at some of the alternative systems of representation that have been suggested to improve the quality of…

Discusses the recent legislative, judicial, and executive efforts to advance the interests of the crime victim in the criminal process. These include victim impact statements, remuneration from felons, and victims' service agencies. National efforts include a proposed amendment to the Constitution supporting victims' rights. (MJP)

Reviews the creation and accomplishments of the 1984 Comprehensive Crime Control Act. The legislation established the United States Sentencing Commission that works to eliminate unwarranted disparities in sentencing and has abolished parole at the federal level. Discusses how the guidelines work. (MJP)

Discusses the use of a universal choice plan as leverage for a wide range of school improvements in the Springfield Public School System (Massachusetts). The author examines the educational reform movement in terms of change coupled with concurrent development of four transformations: organizational, pedagogical, social/attitudinal, and political.…

Maintains that providing justice to people accused of a crime has evolved slowly over the centuries. Discusses the history of indigent defense in the United States. Includes vocabulary terms, a timeline, a list of "Heroes of Indigent Defense," reviews of significant court cases, and a discussion of legal services in five cities. (CFR)

Recounts a pilot project in Pennsylvania in which student teachers field-tested Bill of Rights lesson plans and activities for intermediate grade teachers. Describes the project's phases and results, culminating in publication of "Without Them the Bill of Rights Would Be a Bill of Wrongs." Briefly explains the book's 20 lessons. (CH)

Briefly describes Oregon's 1991 gifted education law; formal parent complaints alleging noncompliance by Portland and Salem-Keizer school districts; state department of education findings of noncompliance; and the steps taken to improve gifted education. Sidebars discuss tailoring teacher training to the community, and Northwest regional resources…

Presents a concise overview of the complicated web of laws and regulations governing the financing of federal political campaigns. Discusses related issues such as "soft money," and the conflict between restrictive campaign regulations and free speech. Notes that regulation of state elections remains with the states. (MJP)

Presents a learning activity consisting of a forum where five students role play individuals arguing contrasting viewpoints concerning a mail-in ballot procedure for a U.S. senatorial special election. Other class members conduct independent research supporting their positions and help coach the forum members. (MJP)

Reviews the current educational policy in Latin America and the Caribbean regarding mainstreaming special education students. The current policy is committed to educational equity and the integration of special needs students into school and society. Includes a discussion of vocational education and research and development for the future. (MJP)

Examines four books written by Latinos on Latinos' educational experiences. The books expand on public perceptions of Latinos as a problem, viewing them as a complex group that struggles for and with education despite numerous obstacles. The books are about transformations and departures from ethnic stereotypes. The paper discusses contemporary…