Eight representative school board members dislike a plan that would sanction a State to collect all school taxes and distribute funds to all districts on equal per-pupil basis. (DE)

The New Jersey Department of Education discovered that a common statewide strategy for coping with student disorders is not practical. Two workshops involving most of the State's school districts were conducted to supply background but not to prescribe specific courses of action. (Author/MF)

Researchers studied how one county in Florida responded to a state-mandated Primary Education Program (PREP), which requires school districts to provide early intervention services in kindergarten through third grade. The program concentrates on early diagnosis and prevention of problems. Teachers' and administrators' views of the program are…

It is proposed that New Jersey assume approximately 70 percent of the cost of its public schools. Several other proposals are presented, all a radical departure from current school funding practices. (BW)

Individual Student Improvement Plans (ISIP) cover students with basic skills deficiencies at sixth grade or later levels. Many plan mechanisms provide schools with comprehensive diagnostic data. The state code requirements for evaluation are given with NJEA recommendations to rely upon existing data regarding student standing in course objectives.…

This paper describes the issues associated with in-service training programs in public schools and includes an historical overview and suggestions for future programs. (MM)

Describes, in lay terms, the prerogatives and characteristics of state legislatures and discusses legislative processes. Reviews legislative financial responses to urban needs, specifically the needs of students, variance in purchasing power among school districts in a state, and municipal overburden. (Author/MK)

Not only did voter power contribute meaningfully to local control behavior regardless of the exact shape of the relations between state aid and local control, but the hypothesized inverse relationship between state aid and local control did not receive support. Journal availability: see EA 511 898. (Author/IRT)

California State Department of Education officials visited Azusa Unified School District as part of their study on the governance of education after Proposition 13. This article summarizes, from the District's perspective, the discussions on categorical programs and ways the State Department could help the district to improve education.…

From the viewpoint of a state legislator, discusses ways that educators and legislators can combine their expertise to improve the educational policy-making process and to develop useful information on educational programs that can serve as a basis for constructive, informed legislative action. (JG)

The New Jersey Legislature acted to save New Jersey education, and their public school system, closed by a July 1 court order, opened in September with renewed hope. (Editor/RK)

Summarizes results of state and local practices related to the implementation of Title I of the Improving America's Schools Act. Findings show that translating policy into practice requires multiple chains of events at both state and local levels, and because of this, more time is needed to produce the impact that Title I intended. (GR)

The gradual shift to state control of schools has spawned unintentional results, including a negative impact on teacher autonomy and professionalism. Although states' major role should be establishing a core curriculum, local flexibility is essential for adapting school policies to varied needs and utilizing staff abilities. Local school boards…

The education reform process in California is documented through the impact of the "Serrano" decision and Proposition 13. The reform has involved a steady decline in ranking of per pupil state expenditures with an increasing proportion of cost being transferred from the state to local districts. (JD)