The Relationship Between Demographic Characteristics of Local Education Agencies and Compliance With Pl 93-380 and Pl 94-142

Abstract

Sixty Ohio local educational agencies (LEAs) were administered a survey examining their level of compliance with federal laws PL 93-380 and PL 94-142. An open-ended questionnaire was administered directly to LEA superintendents or their designees. A 7-point rating scale was developed to assess the compliance position assumed by each LEA. The scale ranged from 1 (nonadaptation) to 7 (maximal adaptation). Fourteen demographic variables depicting each LEA were then assessed to determine their relationship with the adaptation stance. Two demographic variables were found to be significantly related to the overall compliance posture assumed by LEAs. The average educational level of special educators employed by an LEA and the total number of school-age children enrolled in the LEA were positively related to the LEA's adaptation posture. These findings are discussed with reference to policy decisions determined at the state level.