This report summarizes provisions and highlights changes for the Individualized Education Program (IEP) within the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1997. Also included are references from the two Congressional Committee Reports--those of the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee and the House Committee on…

Because of the exceptions to the legislation, the HEW age discrimination regulations will fall far short of imposing age desegregation on the schools. There may, however, be some circumstances in which greater age diversity will be evident in the public schools in the years to come. (Author/IRT)

A series of studies in New Jersey schools documented asbestos abatement and management activities in 17 schools representing 20 abatement sites. Findings demonstrate that school officials must increase their awareness of asbestos issues, improve the oversight of asbestos abatement and management programs, and improve lines of communication among…

A federal report finds that in 1995, 13% of colleges did not publish annual security reports required by federal law, and an equal number did not use the definitions of crimes prescribed by law. Common offenders were trade schools and colleges enrolling under 200 students. Among reporting institutions, 26% reported violent crimes, and 44% reported…

Provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) are putting pressure on schools. Last year, schools were only required to show gains for entire grade levels. This year, all states must also show specified improvement in various subgroups. Provides five examples. The National Education Association plans to file a lawsuit over the unfounded…

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that a public school operate each service, program, or activity, when viewed in its entirety, as readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. A public school is not required to make its existing facilities totally accessible where other methods are effective in achieving…

The Department of Education's announcement of new policy concerning the evaluation of college desegregation efforts could affect the monitoring of compliance in several states in which court-ordered desegregation plans have expired. The higher standards are based on the 1992 Supreme Court ruling, United States v. Fordice. (MSE)

Federal regulations governing receipts from fund-raising events at colleges and universities are summarized, including rules concerning tax deductions for raffle tickets, how and when to acknowledge donor gifts (cash or non-cash), and disclosure of fair market value. (MSE)

The response of higher education to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1988 is examined, and the likely response to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is discussed. Implications of the new legislation for colleges and universities are outlined. (MSE)

A survey of 75 college and university presidents concerning their attitudes toward federal regulation found that presidents do not feel overly burdened in terms of such indicators as time, need for legal staff, and number of lawsuits. Areas of concern included alleged discrimination, the environment, and student loan reporting requirements. (DB)

The reasonable accommodation requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 have recently been applied to public schools. Among the rulings were the provision of a sign language interpreter to hearing-impaired parents and the allowance of a service dog onto a school campus. (MLF)

A number of school attorneys claim that some of the Office for Civil Rights rules exceed statutory authority and impermissibly require "affirmative action" by school districts for certain students with disabilities. Explains that this is a technical legal issue and states why this controversy exists. (MLF)

Offers advice on washroom compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act Title III (ADA) regulations during school construction and renovation projects. Critical issues concerning bathroom accessibility and practical solutions in washroom design are discussed. Other recommended, non-ADA restroom design guidelines for elementary schools are…

Discusses the implications of Jaffee v. Redmond--a case involving privileged communication between counselor and client--for social workers involved in federal and nonfederal cases, for those who practice with Native Americans, and for those who practice in federal prisons. Discusses the positive and the negative implications of the decision. (RJM)

In late 1994, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued new rules applicable to issuers of municipal securities (including school districts) concerning disclosure to the investment community. Describes how SEC's existing Rule 15c2-12 has been implemented. Discusses its purpose, jurisdiction, obligated persons, written…