In the past, school and college administrators relied heavily on advice from colleagues, largely because they had an internal orientation toward their work. As the social, political, and economic influence of external forces became more apparent, they learned to value input from a range of stakeholders. Robert Taft, former governor of Ohio, is a…

This article presents an interview with Reggie Felton, director of federal relations of the Nation School Board Association (NSBA). Felton talks about the No Child Left Behind Act and the proposed changes of the NSBA. The coalition's major concern is the current accountability framework of NCLB that does not accurately or fairly assess student or…

With the due date for the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) right around the corner, "Education Next" thought it apt to probe the lessons learned in the five years since the act's passage. This article presents an e-mail interview with Sandy Kress, a lawyer and former school board member who, as a domestic policy advisor in…

This paper takes on the question of whether and how school authorizers should be held accountable for their own performance. The author presents reasons why scrutiny and accountability are needed not only for schools but also for chartering agencies, identifies what types of accountability are present now, and offers ideas for ways accountability…

In this article, the author describes how the schools are dealing with issues that used to be the responsibility of parents and others in society. In recent years, school boards have taken on some of the services like breakfast and lunch programs, health care, and before-and after-school programs among others. Schools are asked to provide basic…

Briefly outlines the provisions of P. L. 94-142, some obstacles to the law's implementation, and the approaches some districts are taking to implement its provisions. (IRT)

The Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act is designed to help vocational education by channeling federal money to programs that integrate academic and vocational education, targeting money to programs that produce results, emphasizing programs serving disadvantaged people, and easing state regulatory burdens by pushing…

At a time when the ongoing effort to reform public education in the United States is strongly influenced by requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), policymakers and education leaders at all levels are focused on improving student achievement in math and reading. Emphasis on these two areas, however, is generating concern among…

Several factors should be considered by attorneys representing school boards faced with the need for administrative hearings concerning the education of a handicapped child. Attorneys should try first to resolve the problem without resort to the formality of a hearing. If a hearing is necessary, the issues should be determined; a hearing examiner…

According to this paper, educators are underwhelmed with the rhetoric characterizing federal officials' pronouncements about schooling. Education Secretary William Bennett is assailed for goading state legislatures into educational improvement efforts while downplaying federal responsibility in this area. This speech expresses serious reservations…

There are three statutes that may regulate a school's obligation to the asthmatic child. Analyzes school policies in interaction with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reviews school policies from the most restricted no-medication policies to schools…

Presents both sides of the debate over whether to allow military recruiters into high schools or to give them access to student names and addresses. Emphasizes the need for a school district policy before students and community residents become polarized over the issue. (JM)

Calls on school administrators to protect education from further damage from federal legislation by being in closer touch with federal policymaking. Describes a Congressional shift away from instructional issues toward issues affecting noninstructional operations and a corresponding shift in lobbying effectiveness from a Washington-based emphasis…

Argues that school boards must focus on improving academic achievement within the context of budget cuts, the No Child Left Behind Act, and the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision that educational vouchers are constitutional. Recommends affirmative school-board action such as developing school-community partnerships. (PKP)

Presents perspectives of five authorities in education on the question of academic freedom in elementary, secondary, and higher education. Suggests that the meaning of academic freedom has become more ambiguous and elusive as new social and educational settings have developed in recent years. (Author/MJL)