Final answer:
A 'school bus' in legal terms is used for transporting students to school, but historically also refers to busing students for racial desegregation. Mandatory busing had significant social impacts and mixed public reactions. Educational policies like No Child Left Behind further affect student transportation logistics and eligibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the Transportation Code, a "school bus" must refer to a vehicle that is specifically used for the transport of students to and from school or school-related events. School buses are often described in legal and policy contexts and have various requirements based on safety, identification, and operation. In the historical context of the United States, busing refers to the transportation of students to schools outside their immediate neighborhoods, particularly as a means to desegregate schools and achieve racial balance. This practice was both supported and met with resistance in various communities.
The term "busing" gained particular significance during the civil rights movement, when desegregation efforts led to the use of school buses to achieve racial diversity within schools. Public reaction to mandatory busing was mixed, as many parents found it to be an inconvenience, and communities felt it disrupted the connection between schools and neighborhoods. The controversial nature of busing and its social implications have since been a point of discussion regarding educational policies and civil rights.
In more practical terms, the operation and scheduling of buses, such as the example of a route needing multiple buses due to frequent stops, are logistics that transportation departments must consider to ensure efficient service. Additionally, policies like No Child Left Behind and Every Student Succeeds have affected educational approaches, including determinations about which students are eligible for school bus service based on school performance and federal funding.