A study of computer access in 85 Florida and Georgia secondary classrooms showed that the disparity between reform rhetoric and reality is staggering. There are precious few computers accessible to students, fewer Internet-ready computers, and large numbers of teachers who had never been trained to log on. (11 References) (MLH)

Analyzes the use of different measures of sparsity of pupil population and discusses the relationship of pupil population density to the equality of educational programs. Describes in detail development of an index used in Florida to measure the extra cost of providing equal educational opportunity in sparsely settled school districts. (JG)

Investigated the extent to which Florida's school districts complied with the Florida Department of Education's (FDOE) recommendations for addressing sexual harassment in schools. Surveys of district equity coordinators and analysis of policies indicated that most districts approved sexual harassment policies incorporating many FDOE…

This article reports how the Miami-Dade County school district has undertaken an examination of its high school course offerings to make them more equitable after a newspaper report found a richer array of choices in wealthier neighborhoods than in poorer ones. In a unanimous vote last January 19, the nine-member school board directed…

At these hearings, the following witnesses presented testimony: Dr. Thord M. Marshall, superintendent of education, Savannah, Georgia; Dr. Elbert D. Brooks, director, Metropolitan Public Schools, Nashville, Tenn.; Dr. Raymond Shelton, superintendent of schools, Hillsborough County, Tampa, Florida; Dr. John M. Franco, superintendent of schools,…

Black respondents to a questionnaire identified lack of motivation and lack of quality education as major problems of Black Duval County students. Busing for desegregation purposes, although not liked, was regarded as the least serious problem. (CMG)

This paper traces the evolution of the choice idea over three generations, from a market model concerned with economic liberty, to a demand for social justice based on equality, to a political movement that translates the idea into policy. Focusing on the last generation, it explains why the market concept has lacked political appeal and how…

This is a collection of papers from a 2001 symposium at Harvard University entitled "State Merit Aid Programs: College Access and Equity." After a Foreword by Gary Orfield, the seven papers are (1) "State Merit Scholarship Programs: An Introduction" (Donald E. Heller); (2) "Merit Scholarships and College Access: Evidence…

In this era of educational choice, school accountability, research-based practices, and commercial competition--illustrated by but not exclusive to No Child Left Behind--some schools, public and private, make claims that resemble false advertising and that some parents rely on, to their disappointment and even detriment. Moreover, the laudable…

This document updates "Accommodations: Assisting Students with Disabilities. A Guide for Educators," published by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) in 2003. This document is written to assist school district personnel and parents when making decisions about the use of accommodations by students with disabilities in instructional…

The study of school choice for special education students brings together several important pieces of legislation which are separately the focus of high interest. This paper reviews the features of the three major special education bills (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Acts, the Americans with…

Florida's new school finance formula is characterized by a three mills power equalization scheme on top of a Strayer-Haig foundation plan. Finance legislation is predicated on the intent to equalize educational opportunity while increasing the authority and responsibility of districts for deciding matters of instructional organization and method.…

On June 26, 1973, the system for financing elementary and secondary education in Florida was radically altered when the Florida legislature passed the Florida Education Finance Program Act of 1973. Significant features of this act include (1) substantially increased fiscal equalization; (2) a systematic plan and substantial State commitment to…

This report reviews policies, practices, and strategies that state departments of education are using to infuse equity and excellence into their ongoing science, mathematics, and technology systemic reform efforts. Lessons learned and discussed are primarily from state departments of education in Florida, Michigan, and South Dakota. In addition,…

The problems and intricacies involved in fairly interpreting and applying federally mandated testing legislation are discussed in terms of the competency-testing issue evolving in many Florida public high schools. (LH)