Recalling the myth of Sisyphus repeatedly pushing the same boulder up a mountain in his new book, author and educator Frederick M. Hess explains how the K12 education leadership is faltering, and how it can rise above. "Cage-Busting Leadership" (Harvard Education Press, February 2013) is a new book and consequently, a small, growing…

"Policy Perspectives" presents visiting authors' own views and/or research on issues relevant to schools and communities nationwide. The idea that reading skill is largely a set of general-purpose maneuvers that can be applied to any and all texts is one of the main barriers to our children's overall low achievement in reading, argues…

As a principal facing the task of figuring out all the complexities of the No Child Left Behind legislation, Kenneth Remsen, has concluded there is a strong belief that testing students is the answer to bringing about improvements in student performance. Because testing seems to be a cornerstone to improving performance, he doesn't understand why…

Today an ever-increasing number of infants and young children with and without disabilities play, develop, and learn together in a variety of places--homes, early childhood programs, neighborhoods, and other community-based settings. The notion that young children with disabilities and their families are full members of the community reflects…

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THIS DOCUMENT: Something good is happening in Indiana that may be a model for the nation. The Indiana Congress on Education, which convened for the first time last June, could be an unconventional but effective way to change public policy. Throughout the fall, we've been treated to demonstrations of the…

This article adapts change procedures designed by organization theorists within the field of business and applies them to the challenge facing early intervention programs in light of the requirements of Public Law 99-457. A five-step plan for change which includes the factor of resistance to change is discussed. (DB)

This review of statutory and case law contributing to the current litigious environment of colleges and universities identifies specific critical legal precedents affecting college presidents, especially increased personal liability. A list of 14 recommendations is attached. (DB)

The Civil Rights and Women's Employment Equity Act of 1991 establishes standards for analyzing employment practice that has disparate impact on minorities and women, allows damages for on-the-job discrimination, lengthens the statute of limitations for claims, and broadens protection for plaintiffs in "mixed-motive" cases. Implications…

The number of parents who have chosen to educate their children at home has increased dramatically in recent years. Moreover, although less than one percent of school-aged children in the United States are schooled at home, a combination of judicial challenges and legislative activism have allowed advocates of home schooling to make major…

This overview of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 notes differences between this law and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The procedural requirements that Section 504 imposes on teachers and principals are outlined, and issues concerning the possible coverage of children with attention deficit disorder are discussed.…

The article critiques interpretations purporting to distinguish between serious emotional disturbance (SED) and social maladjustment (which is excluded from the federal SED definition). An interpretation of social maladjustment based on social deviance is proposed to more clearly determine eligibility for services under provisions for the…

The Articulation Agreement was developed by the Division of Community Colleges and the State University System of Florida and was approved by the State Board of Education in April 1971. The Agreement provides a basic framework within which students who complete programs under specified conditions are assured that their work will be accepted as…

This pamphlet describes, from an administrators perspective, the advantages and disadvantages of mediation to solve special education disputes between parents and schools. It first notes mediation requirements under the 1997 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Act whenever a due process hearing has been requested, as well as…

Analysis of Public Law 94-142 (as amended) and of its associated regulations indicates that waivers from the law's requirements are not necessary to initiate experimental programs related to the Regular Education Initiative. Requirements concerned with eligibility, special class placement, and change of placement can be met by innovative…

Availability of money damages for violations of Title IX of the 1972 Higher Education Amendments, as determined by a 1992 Supreme Court decision, will increase the number of college campus sexual harassment cases that are decided in the courts. Thoughtful, well-drafted institutional policies and staff training are currently the best resource.…