Notes that federal requirement to develop Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) for all infants and toddlers with special needs has major conceptual difficulty stemming from linkage of family service to family assessment. Sees many authorities as advocating parents and professionals as partners in assessing needs and planning services. Questions…

The effects of drug and alcohol use by pregnant women which concern state policymakers are discussed in this booklet. Topics discussed include: (1) the effects of fetal alcohol syndrome on infants and children, as well as the effects on children of drug use by mothers during pregnancy; (2) initiatives aimed at helping these children; (3) women…

This report describes the annual federal budget and appropriations process, which involves the President's budget request, Congress' Budget Resolution, and 13 appropriations bills by the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. The process involves reconciliation, which allows certain House and Senate authorizing committees to produce…

The Child Support Enforcement Amendments of 1984 require that every state not qualifying for a waiver appoint a commission to look at the success of the state's child support enforcement program in securing support and parental involvement for all children needing such services, whether they were eligible for public assistance or not. This…

A new bill specifically states that an entire institution is covered by antidiscrimination laws if it receives any federal support. The bill was designed to counteract the effects of a 1984 Supreme Court decision involving Grove City College, and it applies to sex, age, disability, and racial discrimination laws. (MSE)

The increasing rate of absenteeism among Canadian and U.S. public school students is discussed noting the widespread effects of low attendance. Eight questions are provided as a starting point for reassessment of school board attendance policy. Ontario attendance legislation and current enforcement practices are briefly explained. (SB)

Reviews the origin and evolution of special protection laws in France for employed women, describes those measures that still exist, and explains what employers, unions, and the authorities think of them. Discusses pregnancy, family responsibilities, and technological progress. (CT)

Places migrants and refugees within the human rights context, contrasting inalienable rights with the demands of sovereignty, and juxtaposing the two in a context of existing and developing international standards. Shows how the law must evolve, responding coherently to contemporary problems, if the structure of rights is to be maintained.…

Compares voter turnout in California school board elections when elections were scheduled in even-numbered years rather than odd-numbered years. Findings from selected school districts since 1985 show significant differences in voter turnout depending on the year: 43.85% voter turnout occurred in even-numbered years compared to 20.79% in odd. (GLR)

This report explains the roles and responsibilities of schools in dealing with child abuse. The introduction lists child abuse facts and figures, defines child abuse and neglect, provides a rationale for the involvement of educators in treatment and prevention efforts, and considers ethical issues. Chapter 1, which concentrates on keeping abusers…

This document comprises resource materials on the education of homeless children. It is divided into three parts. Part 1, "Overview," collects publications of the Center for Law and Education, and articles and editorials from "Education Week" and "The New York Times." Part 2, "Relevant Statutes and…

This summary reports on the proceedings of a conference that was convened to focus attention on the implications of inadequate literacy levels among present and future employees of small businesses and to share successful approaches to the task of helping these employees develop the literacy skills required to meet ever-changing job requirements.…

Outlines legal provisions relating to sex discrimination in employment generally and in education in particular, and examines limitations of these laws for changing school systems. Evaluates the impact of antidiscrimination legislation on the organizational systems of incentives, supports, recruitment, sponsorship, and exclusion. (Author/GC)

Discusses the following aspects of child abuse laws and the policies derived from them: (1) vagueness of the laws; (2) implications for school policy and liability; (3) staff training requirements; (4) confidentiality; (5) protection teams; (6) abuse by school staff; (7) corporal punishment as abuse; and (8) prevention programing. (JS)

Identifies amendments to Public Law 105-17 that relate to physical education and inclusion of students with disabilities, discussing their implications. The paper highlights issues related to Child Find, personnel training, and Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team members and program development. Sidebars discuss reauthorization procedures,…