This study looks at existing aspects of written school violence policies (Codes of Student Conduct) across large, mid-size, and small school districts in Florida. The aim was to provide a clearer picture of how weapons are defined, and the consequences of their possession, use, or display. Two research areas were addressed: (1) What constitutes a…

This article argues that the conclusions of previous research on the impact of sentencing guidelines may be misleading due to the cross-sectional methodologies employed in these studies. This study will suggest that a theoretically driven longitudinal analysis of mandatory guidelines offers a more appropriate way to study these policies.…

In the late 1980s and 1990s, states began working to decrease the level of regulation of public education, using a variety of approaches to regulatory flexibility. This paper examines the evolution of deregulation, from limited waiver programs to charter-school plans and new performance-based accountability systems that include broad-scale…

In California, major proposals involving radical changes for workforce development and preparation have been developed and could have considerable impact on the authority, accountability, and fiscal management of the vocational education programs and services offered by the state's community colleges. These initiatives include the development of a…

The course outline record plays a central role in course planning and curriculum development in the California Community Colleges (CCC), forming the basis of a contract between students, teachers, and the institution regarding course content. This report reviews the role of the course outline and summarizes requirements and standards for writing…

This manual provides guidance to Idaho school districts in identifying students with serious emotional disturbances (SED), as defined by federal and state laws and regulations. Sections 1, 2, and 3 of the guide describe SED in the context of various factors, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the…

The charter-school idea has spread rapidly across the United States. One-half of the states have adopted charter-school laws since 1991, and legislatures in other states have given the idea careful consideration. This paper explores the political factors that shape charter-school laws. The paper utilizes the policy-innovation-diffusion framework…

This booklet presents the Texas State Library Systems Act and some supporting documents to help in the operation of a library under the Texas system. The State Library Systems Act establishes and defines the state library system, allowing for its operation and management and defining the member libraries. Information on state grants is provided,…

This document provides basic information on the requirements for operating child care facilities in Missouri. Included is information defining the types of child care in Missouri and describing state regulations regarding the following: (1) building and grounds; (2) furniture, equipment, and materials; (3) health and medical examinations for…

This report examines the changing nature of higher education policy and the fact that many policy assumptions are no longer valid, and sets out a research agenda for the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education (NCPPHE). It discusses how the growing importance of higher education, and postsecondary education in general, is affecting…

This guidebook is a reference for family child care homes and family child care group homes licensed by the State of Alaska. It outlines licensing standards and procedures and serves as a simplified abstract of Alaska child care regulations. The first part is an overview that introduces home child care and licensing. Topics covered include…

The federal government requires states that receive funds from the Child Care and Development Fund to establish basic health and safety requirements. The federal government also requires states receiving federal funds for child care to have procedures in place to ensure that providers being paid with grant dollars comply with the applicable safety…

Three review formats are enclosed in this publication, along with two basic service checklists and a comprehensive program review guide. These formats were developed to serve as tools to be used locally by school district personnel and Boards of Education in the development of quality policies and procedures to serve homeless children and youth.…

Since the Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) legislation was passed in New York in 1997, the Early Childhood Strategic Group has worked to support full program implementation including providing information to community-based organizations on combining funds from different funding streams to extend UPK services to a full day and to enhance program…

This document explains complaint resolution procedures for individuals who file a complaint with the Florida Department of Education (DOE) on behalf of one or more students with disabilities, or one or more parents of students with disabilities, alleging a public agency has violated the educational rights of a student with disabilities under the…