Describes various provisions in state statutes that ensure underrepresented student groups have equal access to charter schools. Includes facilitating student access, student admission, geographic boundary restrictions, and student transportation. Provides summary of student transportation provisions in seven state charter-school statutes. Also…

Examines four desegregation cases in an effort to speculate on the future direction of desegregation as a vehicle for equalizing educational opportunities. These cases may be seen as a retreat from the initial "Brown" decision or as small steps forward taken by a conservative, judicially passive court.

Examines the public school desegregation cases from a historical and legal perspective, and the impact of these efforts relative to judicial decision-making. (Author/IRT)

Questions who has control over academic eligibility for students aspiring to participate in high school sports. Local school boards now have limited control beyond raising standards set by state policies. A recent study showed that academic eligibility was state-regulated in 47 states. Legal trends are also discussed. Includes 41 references. (MLH)

In "New Jersey v. T.L.O." (1985), the U.S. Supreme Court reduced the evidentiary standard applying to search and seizure by school officials from "probable cause" to "reasonable suspicion." However, search of students should be done only when absolutely necessary (for safety or "order" reasons), and a well-written school policy is essential.…

Suggests how to use legal guidelines for drafting educational policies. Analyzes the political context in which present policymaking and governance initiatives exist. Two assumptions frame this article. First, good law makes for good administrative practice. Second, administrator policymaking is more important than the content of the policy…

Discussion centers on the legal bases by which school administrators permit access to public educational facilities by religiously and politically oriented student organizations. It concludes that access should be granted to students whose purposes do not disrupt teaching and learning. (JAM)

Research suggests that federal legislation to resolve educational issues may be unrealistic and unworkable in practice. Parents and school officials accustomed to controlling educational decision making do not appreciate policy imposition from a distant bureaucracy; responses to policy may produce unequal or unfair outcomes when implemented at the…

Reviews U.S. Supreme Court decisions on the relationship of church and religion to public education and on due process in student discipline and control. Points out the diversity of judicial principles and positions established by these decisions. (RW)