The article describes events which have challenged the legitimacy of state schools for the mentally retarded. It notes the development of new legitimating myths to justify institutional existence, and describes how institutional administrators and standard bearers manage relations with and field criticism from the outside world. (SB)

The growth in the minimum competency testing movement stems not only from a concern with what students are getting from their schooling, but also from a desire to make sure that the public gets a return on its investment in education. (Author/RLV)

Examines court decisions concerning the states' responsibilities for the equalization of educational opportunities concerning capital improvement resources. (Author/MLF)

Through the streets of south Florida cities and the byways of the keys, a new breed of detective is tracking down handicapped children who are not in school. (Editor)

Presents information obtained on the status of comprehensive state-level environmental education (EE) programs in the United States. Comprehensive state-level EE programs include a combination of program, structure, and funding components. As of early 1996, no state had implemented all 16 components of a comprehensive program. (AIM)

Initial findings from a five-year study of the educational reform process and its effects are reported. Findings derive from interviews with state and local policymakers and educators in 24 districts and 59 schools from 6 states. Areas discussed are politics of reform, state role, student standards and teacher-related policies. (IAH)

Six years ago, the Emery Unified School District (Emeryville, CA) teetered on the brink of bankruptcy. Hard work and frugal management by teachers, administrators, and the community saved the school district from financial ruin. (SI)

This article describes the Valley Education Consortium, a long-term, ongoing school-university partnership to achieve concurrent improvements in secondary school curriculum and assessment. The partnership consists of 10 school districts in western Oregon, three county education service districts, the Oregon State University-Western Oregon State…

Examines teacher reactions to an Oregon law designed to restructure public education around Certificates of Initial and Advanced Mastery. Over 2,000 educators in 92 schools completed surveys. Responses showed cautious support for reform ideas, tempered with skepticisms concerning implementation. Rural teachers were more critical of the plan. (50…

Discusses changes occurring in New Jersey's 19 community colleges since the State Board of Higher Education was abolished in 1994. At campus level, colleges have found less state regulation and much more autonomy, enabling them to respond more quickly and effectively to local needs; capital and state funding have also increased. Long-term success…

Describes the history, mission, financing, and enrollment of the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). Presents CCRI's goals: (1) expand the use of technology; (2) be more responsive to the business community and assist in strengthening the economy of the state; (3) become more student-centered; and (4) become a first-stop option for high…

Haas criticizes Kannapel et al for conducting their "rural" research with school professionals and asks what it would take for rural schools to engage their communities and what, besides geography, makes a school rural. Kannapel et al claim that community concerns are not limited to rural schools and that advocates of systemic reform and…

This article reports how Louisiana officials take hits amid strain to start schools. A year after Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on New Orleans, the state of Louisiana finds itself in the highly unusual position of essentially starting from scratch--and directly operating--a batch of public schools in the city. While much attention has focused on…

The changes in the New Orleans public school system are proceeding at break neck speed. There is currently a bill in the Louisiana State Senate which would allow the state to sell, lease, or give New Orleans school buildings to any institution that has operated schools for 25 years. This would be done with a no-bid process. The money would not go…

The 1994 Florida Legislature has continued the shift to local decision making and flexibility by repealing many education statutes and extending the system of statutory waivers and abeyances until July 1, 1995. Many schools and school districts have applied and been approved for waivers over the last 2 years and others have implemented innovative…