Bean, Frank D.; Fix, Michael (1990). The Findings and Policy Implications of the GAO Report and the Urban Institute Hiring Audit. International Migration Review, v24 n4 p816-27 Win. Reviews the two major elements (an employer survey and a hiring audit) of the General Accounting Office (GAO) study of discrimination related to implementation of the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA). Notes some of the criticisms lodged against each element, and discusses policy implications of the report. (AF)…

Briggs, Vernon M., Jr. (1990). Comments on "The Findings and Policy Implications of the GAO Report and the Urban Institute Hiring Audit" by Michael Fix. International Migration Review, v24 n4 p828-30 Win. Responds to the article by Fix and Bean in this issue on the General Accounting Office (GAO) report on discrimination related to provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA). Questions interpretation of the GAO report and an Urban Institute-sponsored study. Endorses IRCA and recommends stronger employer sanctions. (AF)…

McGuinness, Katherine (1993). Redesigning Your Campus for Disabled Students. Planning for Higher Education, v22 n1 p23-27 Fall. The implications for colleges of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination against individuals with physical disabilities, are examined. The scope of the law, sections of special relevance to higher education institutions, and appropriate responses are discussed. A plan for policy formation and administrative action is outlined. (MSE)…

Johnstone, D. Bruce (1992). The University, Democracy, and the Challenge to Meritocracy. Interchange, v23 n1-2 p19-23. Universities can undergird democracy by promoting and defending truth, guarding against despotism, and providing opportunity. To avoid perpetuating the effects of ascription, truly democratic universities must select among students and distribute benefits in ways that are meritocratic but weaken the transmission of status and wealth into which people are born. (SM)…

Cutright, Melitta J. (1991). Sex Stereotyping Hurts All Kids. PTA Today, v16 n5 p13-15 Mar. Sex stereotyping (raising boys and girls to be different because of their sex) begins at birth. The article reviews studies detailing sex stereotyping practices and offers suggestions on what parents can do to avoid them. A list of suggestions for raising children in a nonsexist way is included. (SM)…

Flechsenhar, Ullrich H.; Poloni, Cesare (1990). Finding the Answers: A Look at Central and Eastern Europe. [and] Setting Up Special Services: The Trade Union Approach. Labour Education, n78 p1-13. Poloni reviews implications for unions of recent economic, social, technological, and political changes in Central and Eastern Europe. Flechsenhar states that unions play a role in the development and restructuring of developing countries by providing special services to meet the economic and social needs of their members. (SK)…

Moran, Mary (1999). Standards and Assessments: The New Measure of Adequacy in School Finance Litigation. Journal of Education Finance, v25 n1 p33-80 Sum. Since the U.S. Supreme Court's 1972 landmark "Rodriguez" decision (constitutionally challenging Texas's school-finance system), courts have increasingly used student assessments as evidence of educational adequacy and focused more on educational quality than fiscal equity. Despite pitched battles, a consensus of adequacy and quality may be emerging. Contains 82 footnotes. (MLH)…

Mondak, Phyllis (2000). The Americans with Disabilities Act and Information Technology Access. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, v15 n1 p43-51 Spr. This article reviews legal requirements concerning reasonable accommodation, especially the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and describes various ways in which assistive technology can be used as a reasonable accommodation in employment settings. It offers a case study from the Microsoft corporation and discusses guidelines for the design, implementation, and evaluation of reasonable accommodations. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)…

Richardson, Troy; Villenas, Sofia (2000). "Other" Encounters: Dances with Whiteness in Multicultural Education. Educational Theory, v50 n2 p255-73 Spr. Reviews four books in order to examine the contradictory and ambivalent spaces occupied and co-occupied with multicultural education, locating multicultural education within the Eurocentric regimes of truth (democracy, pluralism, and equality) and addressing how the books rectify or contest the regimes of truth moving within and against the parameters of the white studies configuration of higher education. (SM)…

Fossey, Richard (1998). Expanding Legal Rights for Education Employees–Is the Institutional Mission Being Threatened?. Journal of Personnel Evaluation in Education, v11 n3 p209-14 Feb. This introduction to the theme issue first discusses the expanding legal rights of educational employees, and then examines whether this development hinders educational missions by making it too difficult to discipline or dismiss unsatisfactory employees. Finally, the five articles in this issue are reviewed in relation to this question. (SLD)…

Bobo, Mackie; Durodoye, Beth; Hildreth, Bertina L. (1998). Changing Patterns in Career Choices among African-American, Hispanic, and Anglo Children. Professional School Counseling, v1 n4 p37-42 Apr. Investigates children's vocational aspirations are investigated across ethnic groups (N=1,611). The influence of socioeconomic status and political trends. Top career choices of boys and girls are examined by grade (1-6) and ethnicity (Anglo, African American, Hispanic). Recommendations for broadening career knowledge are made for primary and intermediate grades. (EMK)…

McMiller, Darryl L. (2000). Public Opinion and School Desegregation in Hartford, Connecticut. Equity & Excellence in Education, v33 n2 p68-80 Sep. Analyzes public opinion toward school desegregation in Hartford, Connecticut, using data from the University of Connecticut's Institute for Social Justice Inquiry. The public has a poor understanding of the educational value of integration. Desegregation will fail unless: whites believe it is within their best interest to pursue it, lawmakers pass appropriate legislation, or the court issues a mandatory desegregation order. (SM)…

Barton, Keith C. (2005). "Best Not to Forget Them": Secondary Students' Judgments of Historical Significance in Northern Ireland. Theory and Research in Social Education, v33 n1 p9-44 Win. This study investigated Catholic and Protestant students' ideas about historical significance in Northern Ireland. The research was conducted in two secondary schools in a medium-sized rural town, and data were derived from a ranking task and semi-structured interview with 40 students, aged 12-17, equally divided between the two communities. Students of both backgrounds emphasized the importance of community conflict and remembrance; in addition, Catholics emphasized fairness and equal rights, while Protestants focused on the political origin and status of Northern Ireland. These findings differ substantially from previous research in the U.S., and students' responses point to the role that societal context plays in their developing frameworks of historical understanding. Northern Ireland students' perspectives, however, were not simple reflections of either Unionist or Nationalist viewpoints; instead, students often drew from vernacular traditions to construct criteria of… [Direct]

Reagan, Timothy (2004). Objectification, Positivism and Language Studies: A Reconsideration. Critical Inquiry in Language Studies, v1 n1 p41-60. Linguists and language specialists, as well as the lay public, have generally viewed language from a perspective that is fundamentally positivist in orientation. We tend to assume that language as an abstract entity exists as just such a knowable entity. More problematically, we assume that particular languages also exist as knowable entities which can be described and analyzed. Such assumptions are embedded in our discourse, and in turn have important implications for applied language studies. We commonly make claims about English, Spanish, etc., just as we make claims about the nature of human language more generally. When we engage in teaching languages, our goal is to move the student's linguistic behavior in the second language closer to the norms of the singular reality of that target language. What we do is to engage in the objectification of the construct of \language,\ which then leads us to misunderstand the nature of language and to accept technicist views of the teaching… [Direct]

Pritchard, Megan (2005). Can There Be Such a Thing as a "Wrongful Birth"?. Disability & Society, v20 n1 p81-93 Jan. With the growing application of modern genetic technology to everyday healthcare provision, concern over its moral defence is increasing. This paper discusses pre-natal genetic testing, currently the healthcare situation in which the technology is most frequently applied. In doing this it addresses the justification for the resulting marked increase in legal cases compensating those thought to have suffered a wrongful birth, as well as the fears surrounding these developments that, to some, resonate of the dangerous mind-set of the 19th and early 20th century, which led to the atrocities defended under the name "eugenics". The discussion is presented in terms of Beauchamp and Childress' (1994) ethical principles for healthcare: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice. The conclusion emphasises the role of context, both societal and individual in shaping the outcome of the difficult decisions involved in undertaking pre-natal genetic testing…. [Direct]

Lally, J. Ronald (2005). The Human Rights of Infants and Toddlers: A Comparison of Child-Care Philosophies in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Zero to Three (J), v25 n3 p43-46 Jan. This essay describes and analyzes economic rationalism, instrumental, and enrichment approaches to early care and education policy in the United States and abroad. The author proposes that differences in infant-toddler care and other services among nations can stem from differences in the way that societies define the basic rights of their youngest citizens. The author argues that the more a society leans toward social and educational enrichment as its conceptual base, the better it serves its children. The author argues that the U.S. embrace of economic rationalism as a justification for policy decisions regarding the care of infants and toddlers is a key reason it now lags far behind other industrialized nations in services to infants, toddlers, and their families. He recommends that the U.S. study the models of care that exist in other countries to avoid practices that put infants and toddlers at developmental risk…. [Direct]

Avery, Patricia G. (2002). Political Socialization, Tolerance, and Sexual Identity. Theory and Research in Social Education, v30 n2 p190-197 Spr. Key concepts in political socialization, tolerance, groups, rights and responsibilities can be used to understand the way in which young people struggle with sexual identity issues. Educators may promote greater tolerance for homosexuality among heterosexuals by situating sexual identity issues within a broader discussion of democratic principles. At the same time, one of the basic principles of a democracy, majority rule with respect for minority rights, gives voice to the concerns of gay and lesbian youth…. [Direct]

Browne, Stephen Howard (2003). Jefferson's First Declaration of Independence: A Summary View of the Rights of British America Revisited. Quarterly Journal of Speech, v89 n3 p235-252 Aug. This essay examines Jefferson's Summary View of the Rights of British America as evidence of his craft as a storyteller. Specifically, I argue that Jefferson deploys a series of narrative renderings, the rhetorical effect of which is to eliminate the possibility of any genuine reconciliation with the English government. On the basis of this interpretation I conclude that the Summary View represents Jefferson's first declaration of independence. (Contains 33 notes.)… [Direct]

Coleman, Julianne; Green, Mark; Molinaro, Lisa; Schroth, Stephen T. (2005). Tenure: An Important Due Process Right or a Hindrance to Change in the Schools?. Journal of Personnel Evaluation in Education, v18 n3 p219-231 Sep. Teacher tenure is a hotly contested concept in today's' school reform battles. Many discussions of tenure, however, use the term in incorrect ways that add little to the concepts that should be debated. Historically, tenure represents due process rights teachers acquire after several years of successful service. Other procedures, such as teacher credentialing, the granting of tenure, and teacher evaluation, if successfully applied, would offer the public adequate protection from less than competent teachers. Future implications and recommendations for legislatures considering reworking tenure laws are given, including extending the term necessary to gain tenure, revamping teacher evaluation procedures, increasing expenditures for supervision, and focusing reform efforts on desired outcomes…. [Direct]

Brown, Kathleen Sullivan; Mullin, Christopher M.; White, Bradford R. (2009). The Illinois Class of 2002 and Race/Ethnicity: A Descriptive Summary Four Years after High School. Policy Research: IERC 2009-5. Illinois Education Research Council The Illinois High School Class of 2002 is part of the third generational wave of American students following the landmark Supreme Court decision in "Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka," which outlawed segregation in public education. This longitudinal study allows the authors to examine the long-term impacts of this monumental education and legal policy in the state of Illinois. An examination of data on how students of various races and ethnicities participate in public and private postsecondary education can provide insights into their subsequent success and challenges in pursuing the American Dream through educational advancement. Presented are results for the cohort as a whole. The authors display data by fall, spring, and summer semesters to capture the annual rhythms of educational participation. (Contains 16 figures and 2 tables.)… [PDF]

Pressman, Robert; Weinstein, Susan (1990). Procedural Due Process Rights in Student Discipline. To assist administrators in understanding procedural due process rights in student discipline, this manual draws together hundreds of citations and case summaries of federal and state court decisions and provides detailed commentary as well. Chapter 1 outlines the general principles of procedural due process rights in student discipline, such as when students are entitled to due process and how much due process to give. Chapter 2 describes the application of due process to specific forms of discipline: suspension for 10 days or less; long-term suspension and expulsion; disciplinary transfer; inschool suspension; class removal; extracurricular activity exclusion; graduation ceremony exclusion; procedural rights for academic decisions; corporal punishment; and school bus exclusion. Chapter 3 details specific elements in prior hearings and the emergency exception, notice types and procedures, hearing timing, access to evidence before the hearing, ensuring impartial decisionmakers,… [PDF]

Hill, Robert J. (2006). The War on Democratic Public Space: A Perspective from the United States. Convergence, v39 n2-3 p167-175. There is a crisis in democratic public space in the USA. This essay explores key areas that are either causes or effects of the present predicament: post-9-11 fear, neoliberalisation/globalisation, migrating populations, and the growing power of right-wing fundamentalism, among others. (Contains 6 notes.)… [Direct]

Blackledge, Adrian (2006). The Magical Frontier between the Dominant and the Dominated: Sociolinguistics and Social Justice in a Multilingual World. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, v27 n1 p22-41. Research in multilingual societies often attends to the micro level of linguistic interactions, as linguistic minority speakers negotiate their way through a majority-language world. However, this research does not always engage with the social, political and historical contexts that produce and reproduce the conditions within which some linguistic resources have less currency than others. Methodological approaches must be able to make visible those hegemonic discourses that construct discriminatory language ideologies. In multilingual states those who either refuse, or are unable to conform to the dominant ideology are marginalised, denied access to symbolic resources and, often, excluded. A good deal of research has identified the difficulties that linguistic minorities can face in gaining entry to domains of power. Rather less research has identified the ways in which such domains are constructed, and their borders reinforced. Too little is still known about the countless acts of… [Direct]

DiGiorgio, Carla (2006). What Happens after the Law Is Passed? Marketing to Parent Demands in a Canadian Francophone School. Journal of School Choice, v1 n3 p91-113. Language rights embedded in Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Department of Justice, 1982) and implemented in the provincial education system have allowed parents to choose French language schools over their English alternative. But creation established by law does not fully protect the continuation of such a school. The image that it presents to its school community and the wider community within which it sits is equally important because it establishes economic, as well as legal, viability. This paper addresses the marketing that a legally mandated minority-language school in Canada developed in order to foster survival in its own particular cultural and educational community. The relationship between school, parents and public at large is analyzed to illustrate the balance that the school maintained between inclusiveness and exclusivity. Document analysis, interviews and observation, as part of a larger case study, revealed the creation of an image that addressed several… [Direct]

Routier, Wanda J. (1992). Improving Civic and Legal Literacy Skills of Secondary Level Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students Using the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights. This practicum was designed to develop a national model for teaching students with deafness or hearing impairments about their legal rights and responsibilities. The model included implementing a law-related education curriculum specifically written for students with deafness or hearing impairments, addressing their needs in legal knowledge and disability issues. Implementation of the practicum was achieved by conducting teacher training conferences, providing support and resources for teachers, making site visits, developing an activities schedule for a 12-week implementation period, writing portfolio assessment guides and charts, developing relationships with the media and Congressional leaders as a public relations effort, and assisting teachers with overall guidance for implementing the curriculum. Students showed increased knowledge about constitutional issues following the practicum, and teachers were positive about the training and use of the curriculum. Appendices contain… [PDF]

(1992). "But, We Don't Have the Money…" (Or As It Should Be "The Check's in the Mail…"). This newsletter issues offers suggestions to individuals with disabilities whose requests for assistive technology equipment or services have been refused due to an agency's financial situation. Parents asking for services for their child should point out that federal laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act guarantee a child's right to full educational opportunity and to a free appropriate public education, including special education and related services through age 21. Assistive technology can qualify as a related service. Parents should also make sure that the device or service is specifically included in as many areas as possible in the goals and objectives of the child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). In addition, parents should make sure that requests for assistive devices are written into the IEP placement meeting minutes; should get a written statement stating the reasons for denial of an assistive…

Lacroix, Anne-Laurence (1996). Rights of the Child in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. This report to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child contains observations of the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) concerning the application of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child by the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The report's introduction points out that although OMCT welcomes Yugoslavia's efforts in keeping with the Convention, issues of concern remain, particularly the scarcity of information concerning the multiethnic nature of the Republic, and the inclusion of Serbia and Montenegro but not Kosovo and Voivodina. The report then presents observations and recommendations in the following areas: (1) non-discrimination; (2) protection against ill-treatment; and (3) children in conflict with the law. The report's conclusion includes an assertion that OMCT feels grave concern for the situation of children in Yugoslavia in general and particularly for those belonging to a minority coming under a policy of discrimination. The report concludes… [PDF]

Bagozzi, Daniela (1996). Rights of the Child in Guatemala. This report to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child contains observations of the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) concerning the application of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the Republic of Guatemala. The report's introductory summary asserts that although Guatemala has begun to undertake institutional and legislative efforts to fulfill its obligations under the Convention, reality still presents a grim picture for Guatemalan children. The report then presents observations and recommendations in the following areas: (1) definition of a child; (2) the right not to be subjected to torture; (3) children in conflict with the law; (4) children in situations of emergency; and (5) economic exploitation of children. The report's conclusion asserts that Guatemala's new legislation alone is insufficient in tackling the many problems of Guatemalan children, and that the rights of children in conflict with the law and in extreme poverty or hazardous… [PDF]

Carrera, John Willshire (1989). Immigrant Students: Their Legal Right of Access to Public Schools. A Guide for Advocates and Educators. This document is a guide to the immigrant student's legal right of access to public schools based on the 1982 United States Supreme Court ruling in "Plyler v. Doe" (457 U.S. 202). Following an introduction, the first of three sections, "School Practices," addresses everyday school practices by outlining prohibited and recommended practices concerning registration, documentation, verification, relations with the Immigration and Naturalization Service, staff training, the need for regulations and rumor control, along with recommended actions for state and local election agencies. The second section, "The Right of Access," addresses the Plyler ruling itself and the legal reasoning behind it. The third section, "Parents and Advocates," addresses the role of parents and community members in insuring that schools abide by and respect the Plyler rights of immigrant students. This section contains supplements on foreign student status and relevant…

(1989). Immigrant Children: Challenges and Opportunities for Our Schools. Proceedings of the Conference of the Advocates for Children of New York (New York, New York, November 1986). This document presents testimony, policy statements, and recommendations on the educational needs of immigrant children at the elementary school through secondary school levels in New York City. An introduction describes the November, 1986, hearing at which parents, students, teachers, administrators, and members of community based organizations serving newly arrived families testified on the educational needs of immigrant children. A background section describes a court ruling, "Plyler v. Doe," and legislation, the Immigration Reform and Control Act, as well as excerpts of a New York City mayoral memorandum dated October 15, 1985. Another section describes areas of concern that the Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Immigrant Affairs has identified. Also described are other activities of an Immigrant Students Rights Project. Recommendations are presented that emerged from the hearing in 1986 and from subsequent work with students and families. A conclusion emphasizes the…