This book brings together for the first time research informing leadership practice in special education from preschool through transition into post-secondary settings. It provides comprehensive coverage of 1) disability policy 2) leadership knowledge, 3) school reform, and 4) effective educational leadership practices. Broader in scope than…

In this introduction to three articles on collective bargaining the author outlines concerns and questions about the proposition of public referendum as a means of resolving negotiation impasses. (MD)

A well-written school design contract can protect both the school board and the architect. The language of the "Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect," provided by the American Institute of Architects, can be expanded to include terms written specifically for the owner's protection. (MLF)

The conflict-resolution technique of interpersonal negotiation involves five steps: (1) state your positive intentions; (2) define, analyze, and discuss the problem; (3) summarize progress; (4) explore alternative solutions; and (5) set a time for follow-up. (MLF)

Arbitration is an effective way to resolve disagreements between school systems and their employee unions. A practicing arbitrator offers some suggestions that encourage the best use of the arbitration process. (MLF)

Education, the most visible of local government functions, is often the center of a societal climate in which the protection of individual rights is not only expected but also demanded. Governing boards and administrators must deal with conflict and bring about acceptable solutions. Since 1950 education has experienced a significant increase in…

Preventing high school violence takes more than security measures alone. Problem-solving approaches involve skill-building strategies that teach students conflict-resolution skills that become alternatives to the use of violence. Peace-making strategies seek to improve school climate by targeting key relationships in the school. Lists eight steps…

This document analyzes the responses to a survey conducted in 1997 on the role of the Ombuds Office in higher education, and also considers the characteristics of professional neutrality needed for successful conflict resolution. Of 178 institutions surveyed, 109 responses include 54 institutions with ombudsmen, 7 without such a position but with…

Education must be served by education law. This chapter analyzes determinants to education law and recommends that corrective inquiry begin with the National Organization on Legal Problems of Education (NOLPE). Special interest advocacy groups can be deterrents to education law. For example, the Supreme Court made contradictory decisions in 1982…

In Thailand, university autonomy has varied over time and by institution type. Because of their history, universities and faculty are respected and accorded much freedom, and also depended upon as sources of information and opinion aimed at achieving balance and social justice. In a May 1992 national crisis, universities combined voices…

This chapter focuses on the need for a revised relationship between schools and the courts through the concept of preventive law. The chapter reviews court cases and presents an overview of conflict resolution models and strategies for reducing litigation. Preventive law assumes that greater use of its strategies affords a lesser need for conflict…

A school board member describes how the use of four elements helped the board win public support for a referendum that was strongly opposed by an organized, respected committee: (1) Use of the media; rather than inviting press coverage of arguments by holding large public meetings, the board held numerous small, informative meetings. In this…

This book was designed to help school administrators, board members, and teachers improve effectiveness and cooperation at the bargaining table. It charts the history of collective bargaining and discusses changes now taking place in education that will likely affect negotiations. Following the overview of collective-bargaining history in chapter…

With state budgets in trouble across the United States, many school districts have already been hit with midyear cuts. Morale is the first and biggest issue administrators and school boards have to tackle. Successful leaders must be able to forecast what lies ahead and plan for the future. Good communication with staff and the public is crucial to…

Describes the growing trend of conflicts between school boards and superintendents, some of the various causes behind these conflicts, and practical steps board members and superintendents can take to avoid and to solve them. (IW)