Although education is primarily a state function, its importance to our society makes it fertile ground for litigation. The Constitution--by authorizing the Congress to enact legislation--constrains and prescribes what happens in schools. Legislative histories, especially since the early 1960s, are outlined here. The major topics include:…

Describes the arguments of those supporting removal of the juvenile status offender from court jurisdiction, as well as the case presented by defenders of the system for retaining court jurisdiction over status offenders. (CM)

Act 195 has been responsible for approximately $458 million in tangible costs since its passage in 1970 and perhaps as much in intangible costs. Despite this, teachers in Pennsylvania hold no significant edge over other teachers across the nation. (Author/IRT)

The Illinois General Assembly enacted the Community Residence Location Planning Act (CRLPA) to provide assistance to the state's 110 home rule municipalities to help bring their zoning ordinances into compliance with 1988 amendments to the U.S. Fair Housing Act. This report presents the results of this effort and offers recommendations to the…

The controversy over minimum competency assessment has special implications for the handicapped, since federal law requires that handicapped students must be afforded equal educational opportunities. Problems will arise in establishing criteria of competence and in administering minimum competency programs for students with learning disabilities.…

This case study/philosophical analysis responds to the primary research question: "Should undocumented immigrants receive financial aid by responding to the sub-question: What does it mean to be a member of society?" The case study organizes and collects empirical evidence from stakeholders involved in Texas House Bill 1403 (2001),…

In response to declining state funding levels and limited options for increasing revenues, this report reviews existing Texas state legislation on community college district expansion via annexation and recommends possible statutory modifications to ease the process of annexing territory to existing districts. First, introductory material…

Traces the change in Federal funding policy to exclude programs, rather than institutions, which racially discriminate. Argues that this loophole, created by a Supreme Court decision in 1984, has had a devastating impact on civil rights enforcement. Explores the impact of discrimination on four types: sex, age, race, and handicap. (ETS)

Examines the historical development and current status of federal support for vocational education at the postsecondary level. Considers the role federal laws have played in creating current postsecondary vocational education programs. Discusses the federal government's potential for supporting enhanced growth and quality. (Contains 39…

The growth of unionization and the enactment of collective bargaining legislation are considered to be the causes of increased strike activity in the public sector. This paper includes statistical data on the frequency and number of public employee strikes in each state; summarizes the state labor legislation; and presents an average of strikes,…

Discusses political factors affecting educational leaders' ability to alter the constitutional and statutory status of community colleges. Reviews literature on policy formation for higher education and community colleges, and political culture at the state and subsystem levels. Describes a study of the relationships between political behavior and…

A survey addressed the financial impact of state-mandated reforms on 40 rural Oklahoma school districts. A majority of school administrators surveyed reported that they did not receive adequate dollars to meet curriculum standard mandates and the minimum teacher salary schedule. Long-term results may include consolidation. (LP)

Includes "Editorial"; "Employment Problem and the International Economy" (Emmerij); "Declaration of Philadelphia" (Lee); "Pragmatism and Daring in International Labour Law" (Javillier); "Perspectives on the Future of Social Security" (von Maydell); and "Unions as Social Institutions in…

In order to suggest policies aimed at preventing underutilization of early intervention services by typically underserved populations, this study reviewed the literature on utilization of health and social services, devised a generic model of service utilization, and examined the national distribution of several of the model's factors. The model…

The current status of state policy on minimum competency testing in Wisconsin, and the political process that produced that policy, are explored in this report. The document presents the preliminary findings of research conducted for a doctoral dissertation. The research methodology, mentioned only briefly, involved participant observation,…