Assignment 1

The word education is absent from the U.S. constitution. Based on this fact, how is Federal involvement in public education justified?
Briefly discuss the two major questions commonly pondered regarding Federal funding of public education: a) How much- what percentage of the total education budget should be federally funded? B) How-block grants, categorical or general aid?

Briefly describe the following federal initiatives in public education

Land ordinances of 1785
Morrill Act 1862
Smith-Hughes Act 1917
National Defense Education Act 1958
Elementary and Secondary Education Act 1965
Civil Rights Act 1964
Rehabilitation Act 1973
Privacy Act (Buckley Amendment).
Education for All Handicapped Children Act 1975
Americans with Disabilities Act 1990.

Assignment 2

The courts often generate change in many aspects of society including public schools. The following are cases that significantly impacted public education.

What was the major impact of these cases?

Brown v. Board of Education 1954
Kalamazoo Case 1874
The following cases are directly related to school finance. You are to prepare a mini-brief on each including Citation (name of the case), Issue, Decision and the impact of that decision.
Serrano v. Priest 1971
San Antonio v. Rodriquez 1973
Rose v. Council 1989
Read text on the Florida Adequacy suit and write 2 or three sentences on the issues.

Assignment 3

The use of public funds in non-public schools has always been a hot topic. The courts have given direction in this matter. As a public school administrator it is important to be informed in this area.

Prepare mini-briefs on:

A. Pierce v. Society of Sisters
B. Aguilar v. Felton
C. Lemon v. Kurtzman (memorize the 3 prongs of the Lemon test-it will serve you well).
What is the major argument for the use of public funds for non-public schools? Against?
Briefly discuss the pros & cons of each of the following:
Vouchers
Choice
Charter Schools
Tax Credits