By considering the historical background, relevant court decisions, constitutional alternatives, and practical and political implications, this paper examines the legal issues surrounding proposals calling for prayer, Bible reading, or posting of the Ten Commandments in public schools. Historically, the secularization of public schools occurred…

Safeguards provided by existing civil and criminal assault and battery laws provide inadequate protection for students. State laws (as detailed in charts and tables) provide some avenues of relief, but new legislation must be passed to ensure students' rights. (WI)

Presents a historical, national, and legal overview of home schooling. Reviews official responses and constitutional limits on state regulation and offers suggestions on ways that public educators and home-schoolers can improve their relationship. Recommends that public officials take initial steps to bridge the communication gap. (CJH)

This paper explores major historical changes in public school values from colonial times to the present and describes the ways such changes have affected private education. Emphasized are values based on religious premises, values that affect the religious beliefs of others, and the impact of both types of values on decisions to leave public…

Factors affecting the acceptance by the courts of teacher employment policies involving competency testing are examined in this report. Policies in 55 states and territories are considered, and the wide variations among the policies and court interpretations of them are noted. Particular attention is paid to constitutional provisions regarding…

Raising tuition is one solution to reduced revenue at public colleges and universities. Nonresidents, aliens, or persons who have only recently established residency in the state bear a larger share of the financial burden. Constitutional pitfalls in this policy are reviewed, and the validity of sex-based tuition rules is examined. (MLW)