Outlines progress made toward equal education for the disadvantaged under Title I. Warns that in times of economic austerity and with the absence of Federal regulation, local school systems will find it easy to use Federal funds for general educational expenditures, rather than for those who need compensatory services. (GC)

Explores the evolution of contemporary Federal educational policy and the implementation of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (partially Title I and Title VII) and the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. Describes trends toward reduced Federal involvement in education and discusses the role that States and local education agencies…

United States teachers must be excellent, and they should resemble the U.S. student body in their diversity. Two approaches taken by the U.S. Department of Education, the "Recruiting New Teachers for Underserved Areas" program and the "Lighthouse Partnership Program," are aimed at increasing teacher diversity. (SLD)

Proposes a framework for determining whether federal, state, or local governments should perform certain functions in education. Applies this framework to two areas--curriculum reform and enhanced educational opportunities for children with special needs--and suggests directions for federal policy in these areas. (GC)

Discusses the expansion of the federal government's role in American society; focuses on changing federal and state responsibilities in education. (Author/GC)

This paper examines vintage (cohort), environmental, and structural problems associated with youth employment, and discusses strategies for improving job opportunities. Evaluates effects of the Elementary Secondary Education Act, Vocational Education Act, Youth Entitlement Demonstration, Supported Work Demonstration, and Job Corps. (JCD)

Uses the home-education policy arena as a lens through which to view changing beliefs and practices about student assessment. The home-education policies of 10 states illustrate issues relating to accountability in public and private schools and the use of standardized tests. (SLD)

The educational funding system in Massachusetts has become less equitable than before, since the passage of Proposition Two and a Half. A decision-making process driven by zero-sum economics, rather than educational needs, is particularly harmful to urban youth; failure to educate every young American threatens the nation's social and economic…

Explores the politics of education in the case of the establishment and reauthorization of a New York school district to serve the special education students of the Hasidic Jewish community of Kiryas Joel. The case of Kiryas Joel illustrates the political power of a single-interest special interest group. (SLD)

Compares the state governance and power structures in early child education in Michigan, California, and New York. Focuses on the informal, dynamic networks of power and influence among public and private agencies and, in turn, between these agencies and clients attached to a variety of interest groups. (Author/GC)

Discusses school choice policy itself, the debate between proponents and opponents, and the range of possible school choice programs. Addresses the roles of federal and state governments, the courts, and school administrators in school choice plans. Presents recommendations for achieving an educational environment that engages the minds of all…

Examines ways to encourage and implement public education for excellence. Reviews current trends and social problems and the history of public education, government mandates, volunteer efforts, and mixed initiatives such as privatizing all or part of a school system and cooperative arrangements among public agencies that serve children. (JB)

The emergence of the America 2000 campaign has redefined the phrase national education agenda. More than at any time in history, the national agenda has become the federal agenda. Nevertheless, as this discussion reveals, the problems of urban schools remain largely ignored. (SLD)

Argues that both state and local politics are more influential than current theory, educational research, and practitioner craft knowledge in shaping the initial conceptualization and subsequent implementation of reform initiatives in the Chicago (Illinois) public schools. Messages for other school systems are highlighted in the Chicago…

Offers a range of perspectives on the national school reform movement as exemplified in the national commission reports. Presents articles providing a broad, comprehensive set of evaluations of reform, and more specific articles dealing with the real or potential impact of reform or explaining individual issues raised by the reports. (RDN)