Since the 1970s, American governors have become increasingly active in education politics. Where they once told state education chiefs to "make me the best education governor ever," they now demand control of state boards of education, push for state control of school funding, and urge statewide standards for teacher evaluation. This…

In this article, the author talks about the Shays-Farrell race as one of three closely watched contests in Connecticut that could help determine control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the midterm elections November 7. U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays, a Republican, and Diane Farrell, a Democratic, are the candidates for the state's 4th…

In this report, the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) takes a close look at the governance of the teaching profession and finds that state legislators and other state-level policymakers crafting state laws and regulation, not those bargaining at the local level, decide some of the most important rules governing the teaching profession.…

From the viewpoint of a state legislator, discusses ways that educators and legislators can combine their expertise to improve the educational policy-making process and to develop useful information on educational programs that can serve as a basis for constructive, informed legislative action. (JG)

This paper isolates four research perspectives that have guided analyses of state legislatures and education policy in the past, and it presents research judgments that it believes will help the Law and Government Program of the National Institute of Education identify promising research directions in the future. While it acknowledges that few…

Describes a grassroots organization of 500 educators from Massachusetts who attempted to influence their legislature to provide more funding for computers. Discusses the attempt to inform the legislators and the problems involved in the project. (MVL)

This report summarizes state legislative activity in 1992 and 1993 pertaining to Native American issues. An overview of each year is followed by state-by-state summaries. In 1993, of 238 bills, resolutions, and memorials introduced, 116 were enacted, with 31 pending. During 1993, education issues were important and included the integration of…

A 1986 study was designed to obtain feedback from members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of the Province of Manitoba on the information they receive from the University of Manitoba and ways in which the university could keep them better informed. Interviews were done with 47 of the 57 MLAs. Findings indicated the following: the University of…

To provide a forum for discussing mutual concerns shared by legislators and educators and more specifically to promote a better understanding and clearer communications between the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) and state legislators was the purpose of the 1975 Legislative Work Conference attended by 180 western…

In an era of increased governmental control and of inflation, the relationship between higher education and state legislatures is of some concern. The diverse units of higher education must identify the roles they are to play in the political process. A survey was undertaken to learn: how much weight the information provided by higher education…

This report includes state-by-state summaries of 1994 legislation pertaining to Native American issues. Of 344 bills introduced in the state legislatures in 1994, 92 were enacted and 20 are still pending. Major issues addressed in 1994 legislation included Native American education; history, language, and culture preservation; sovereignty; law…

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,…

Some common questions that state legislators have about how distance learning can work in their states are explored. Distance learning, once considered strictly a rural education strategy, is now recognized to have the potential to provide solutions to some of the problems states face in delivering quality education to all students. A distance…

The student's kit and teacher's manual provide a framework for secondary students to simulate the functionings of Georgia's General Assembly. Objectives of the simulation are to help students: (1) experience the forces and conflicts involved in lawmaking, (2) learn about the role of legislators, (3) understand and discuss issues facing citizens,…

The major goal of this book is to improve the public's understanding of the legislative branch of the state government in Connecticut. It is divided into seven sections: (1) the political tradition and environment of the state legislature; (2) the state legislature as a nonpartisan institution; (3) the substance of the legislature; (4) the…