This handbook is designed to assist schools in organizing and managing an effective school improvement council. It is divided into six sections. Section I describes the benefits of a school improvement council from the perspective of the school district, parents and citizens, teachers, the school administration, and students. Section II provides…

To help individuals, groups, and organizations obtain federal government records on themselves and others, this guidebook interprets the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act. The acts provide access to government data, personal records, and business information. The guidebook presents the texts of both acts, with…

This document provides instructions for filling out the Compliance Summary Form for Program Reviews, which is used at elementary and secondary school sites to determine compliance with federal and state laws and regulations. All schools receiving consolidated application program funds are required to conform to the standards specified in this…

Seeking to inform hearing officers in Oregon of due process procedures in cases involving handicapped students, this handbook describes the rights and obligations of parents and school districts, the legal basis for such hearings, and the steps involved in the conduct of hearings. The handbook affirms the rights of parents to inspect and copy…

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) eliminated the "need to know" requirement for access to information, requiring agencies to give notice of file contents and make records available to all persons. Agencies are required to make available final opinions, statements of policy and interpretations, and staff manuals that affect a member…

This report, the second in a series, was developed to give district leaders guidance as they implement supplemental services under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Supplemental Educational Services (SES) provision. This provision gives parents of elegible children the opportunity and the funding to choose a private tutor or other academic support…

This brochure provides a summary, in simple language, of an individual's legal rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act if arrested and offers specific suggestions for the individual faced with arrest. Answers and suggestions are provided for the following questions: "What happens if I am stopped by the police?"; "What…

Describes an effort by agricultural educators in Mississippi to improve the status of vocational education through securing favorable legislation. Suggests seven guidelines for gaining state legislative action. (LRA)

A study of communication between superintendents and legislators in Illinois revealed that superintendents seldom speak to legislators. Survey forms were sent to the 39 legislators on education committees: 29 legislators completed the survey, and 21 of these were interviewed indepth. (MLF)

This discussion of the discipline of students with disabilities notes rules and limitations that are different from those for the discipline of students without disabilities. Legal considerations in disciplining all students as well as those protected under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of…

Reports that some local and regional censorship groups are backed financially by national religious groups. Examines their impact on public and school libraries, recounts their influences on federal legislation, and reviews the status of state legislation. A sidebar discusses the American Library Association's role in aiding librarians. (JMV)

Passage of the Pregnancy Disability Bill means that employee health plans cannot omit the needs of pregnant women. (PBS)

The article outlines changes in the Internal Revenue Code with direct and general bearing on taxpayers with disabled family members. Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code included in the Revenue Act of 1978 are described in terms of credits, deductions, and exemptions; and suggestions are offered regarding record keeping, tax return audits, and…

Children and youth in homeless situations, particularly unaccompanied youth and survivors of domestic violence, are at a high risk for experiencing violence and victimization. Frequently, unaccompanied youth become homeless after leaving abusive or destructive home environments. In turn, their homelessness, which often involves "couch…

Children and youth in homeless situations, particularly unaccompanied youth and survivors of domestic violence, are at a high risk for experiencing violence and victimization. Frequently, unaccompanied youth become homeless after leaving abusive or destructive home environments. In turn, their homelessness, which often involves "couch…