Australian initiatives to integrate regular and special education are discussed, focusing on problems with integrated service delivery and the role of educational legislation and public policy in effective services. The feasibility of a legislative approach within the Australian constitutional framework is examined. (Author/MSE)

Includes "On the Common Core of Learning" (Kennedy); "Constitutional Implications of National Curriculum Standards" (Arons); "Arguments against National Performance Standards" (Fulk, Mantzicopoulos, Hirth); and "The Painful Lessons of Introducing the National Curriculum in England" (Foster). (SK)

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)

Introduces a lesson designed to help students understand the role that each branch of the federal government can take in redressing the impact of past discrimination while protecting the rights of individuals whose opportunities may be limited by an affirmative action program. The lesson is based on a case study and includes student handouts. (JDH)

The disestablishment of religion in our constitutional order has encouraged an extraordinary proliferation of religious sects and religious doctrines that has made sectarian repression seem impractical. Discusses advantages and disadvantages of this trend for the nation. (PS)

This discussion of the special legal status of the University of Minnesota, known as constitutional autonomy, defines this status, states the rationale for the principle, and describes the relevant territorial act and constitutional provision. The main part of the legal analysis examines Minnesota court cases which addressed the issue of the…

One of a series of modules designed to help people in Oklahoma become more self-sufficient in their personal and professional lives, this document is designed to introduce students to the function of various levels of U.S. government, symbols considered to have particular relevance to U.S. citizens, and how adults can make a difference as…

While the law governing the definition of educational adequacy is still evolving, partial definitions can be gleaned from various state and federal laws and regulations prescribing standards for schools and from judicial interpretations of constitutional and statutory provisions. This document presents the results of such an analysis. After…

The pressure of removal of all Indians from the eastern states and territories to the undeveloped West caused the Indians of the Five Civilized Tribes to re-frame their basic institutions, including their governments, in an attempt to conform with Anglo American ideas of what was "civilized". Both the Choctaws and Cherokees established…

Reviews the present constitutional and statutory basis for the education of North American Indians in Canada. Examines the complex jurisdictional problems raised in the 1867 Constitution Act in the context of provincial legislation. Presents recent developments, including the 1982 Constitution Act. (NEC)

Describes a course on the tension between individual rights and the powers of government. Explores the differences between the Anti-Federalists and Federalists conceptions of rights and the role of government. Discusses contemporary problems of rights as limits to democratic outcomes. Questions the traditional interpretations of the U.S.…

Promoting change in civic education means rethinking what are the important aspects to teach about the Constitution, law, and democracy to equip students to be effective and affective citizens. The scope of instruction needs to broaden to include specific comparisons between the U.S. federal system of law and constitutionalism with counterparts in…

In an effort to foster better understanding of the crucial role of the courts in protecting all persons from legislative and executive overreaching, this report examines and evaluates the Helms-Johnston Amendment, one of many efforts Congress is making to limit the authority of federal courts in cases involving the controversial issues of…

The revolutionary changes in the relationship between students and their colleges and the role of court litigation in crystallizing or bringing about social, political, and educational change are discussed. (MSE)

Provides an overview and background information on the debate over gun control, as well as several teaching ideas. Handouts include a list of related topics drawn from various disciplines (economics, U.S. history), seven arguments for and against gun control, and a set of policy evaluation guidelines. (MJP)