This hearing of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions examines the role of states in higher education. Following opening statements by Honorable Tom Harkin (Chairman, Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions) and Honorable Lamar Alexander (U.S. Senator from the State of Tennessee), the following senators provide…

This Policy Brief outlines some of the challenges presented to students -- particularly those who are historically underserved -- who are transitioning from high school to college this fall. It shares the ways in which "near peer" advisors, or recent high school graduates, can help ease the transition and steer students toward success.…

This study focused on the federal and Illinois State the reform legislation titled the Performance Evaluation Reform Act and Senate Bill 7. The Performance Evaluation Reform Act or "PERA" was created from collaboration between stakeholders as Illinois competed in a federal competition titled "Race to the Top." The legislation…

In 1997, the state of California labeled Markham Middle School as low-performing. Located in the Watts neighborhood of Southeastern Los Angeles, Markham is stuffed with over 1,500 students in just three grades, sixth-eighth. Roughly 70 percent of the students are Hispanic, and 30 percent are black. Eighty-two percent are poor. That year, the…

When courts engage in educational policymaking through what is called "public law litigation," they set foot in unsettled territory. Framing the authors' work in legal studies literature, this article relays how one court engaged in a sweeping reform of special education in Chicago and teacher certification in the entire state of…

Identifies some constitutional, statutory, and case law that has affected bilingual education in the federal courts and the state courts and legislatures. Discusses ideas about public policy within the context of the current status of bilingual education, and suggests ways to improve policy and make better informed decisions. (JB)

This book is intended to make Illinois educators aware of the legal and financial aspects of their job, so that they may avoid legal pitfalls and become more efficient practitioners of their profession. Based on the premise that legal and financial matters are only means to the end of providing quality education for all students, the authors…

Focus in this book is on the years 1969 to 1972, a period in which the substantial good will existing between higher education and state capitols became strained by budget conflict and student unrest. Decisional case analyses are provided of the budgeting process, state aid to private colleges and community colleges, student unrest legislation,…

Adult basic education programs in California, Illinois, North Carolina, Texas, and Virginia were reviewed to assess the progress made by the programs in reducing illiteracy. The programs' management was also evaluated. It was found that although some positive achievements have been made, the program successfully reaches only a small fraction of…