A Review of Educational Legislation, 1937 and 1938. Bulletin, 1939, No. 16

No argument would seem to be needed to prove that knowledge of contemporary legislation affecting education is of a practical advantage to every educational worker and to all citizens of representative government. Under our system it is the prerogative of a State legislature to overcome legal obstacles, or to set up new legal instruments for improving the administration of education. The purpose of this bulletin is to show the most outstanding examples and tendencies in 1937 and 1938 legislation affecting education in the United States. During this period legislature of each State held one or more sessions and enacted approximately 1,500 measures relating to education. This review is limited principally to outstanding tendencies and examples. The purpose of the review is first to determine what new and significant legislative developments are in process, and in what way they may affect the course of public education; and, secondly, to make available to school officers, teachers, and the public in general, up-to-date information on legislation affecting respective phases of education. The method of this review is intended to be narrative and also interpretative as to trends insofar as trends may be discerned within a 2-year period. It is hoped that the information contained in this bulletin will be of service to those who seek to improve the legal organization and functioning of our educational system. Chapters in the bulletin include: (1) State School Administration, Organization, and Functions; (2) Local School Administration, Consolidation, etc.; (3) State-Aid Programs; (4) School Revenue; (5) Curriculum; (6) Textbooks; (7) School Attendance; (8) Higher Education; (9) Teacher Training and Certification; (10) Teachers' Salaries; (11) Teacher Tenure and Employment; (12) Teacher Retirement; (13) Handicapped Children; (14) School Health and Safety; (15) Transportation and Tuition; (16) Private Schools; (17) Vocational and Adult Education; and (18) Federal Legislation Relating to Education. [Best copy available has been provided.]