The National Board for Professional Teaching standards has launched a nationwide effort to professionalize teaching and boost the quality of classroom instruction. Cites school boards' actions in encouraging teachers to seek certification. (MLF)

Most school boards want those initial months of warm regard between the board and a new superintendent to continue indefinitely. However, trust can break down for a number of reasons. Offers eight suggestions for superintendents to prolong the honeymoon. (MLF)

The board and superintendent can reduce the friction and strengthen their relationship if they can understand one another's role in the school system. Cites some examples of inappropriate board behavior. Offers eight suggestions to board members to prolong the honeymoon. (MLF)

The Denver, Colorado, school board has an agenda summary sheet that streamlines communication between the board and staff members. The form, placed after the title sheet of any proposal, lists background issues, options and alternatives considered, and implications of adoption or rejection. (MLF)

As a result of the National Commission on Excellence in Education report and other recent studies, an increasing number of governors and state legislators have sought to establish new requirements and minimum standards statewide. Addressing the potential threat that these requirements represent to local school boards in their efforts to maintain…

This literature-based paper attempts to delineate the role of various groups in controlling special education in public schools. The paper argues that historically education has been a local matter, but contemporary interpreation tends to view education as a societal issue, a view which provides the impetus for education to become a state function…

Advice and tested methods for management of meetings from superintendents and board members are combined in this reference book on conducting effective school board meetings. Intended for a wide readership, it contains three chapters and an exhibit section comprising over one-third of the document. Following a brief introduction, chapter 1,…

This publication discusses policy issues, practices, and research related to parent involvement in education in the United States. Written for local school boards, professional staff who work with boards, and interested parents, the paper calls for policies that will encourage parents to assist in their children's educational development. After an…

Suggests school boards separate from day-to-day administrative operations, concentrate on futuristic five-year plans, and work with a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) in subgroups to study all areas of responsibility in order to respond to rising median population age and emerging high-tech society. Would provide optimum accountability and…

The number of sex discrimination complaints within school districts has risen in the last few years. Recent court rulings are cited, including estimated costs to the board. Outlines steps that a board can take to reduce the chances of sex discrimination occurring in a school district. (MLF)

The computer phenomenon has made rapid inroads into school curricula, often without proper board guidance or approval. Accordingly, this pamphlet discusses why and how computer education should be provided in schools and sets forth guidelines for school board policy regarding computers. An umbrella policy is proposed, defining "computer literacy"…

Describes seven main power tactics used by teacher unions in strike situations. Recommends a program of advocacy communication strategies that school boards can follow in fostering positive community relations before and during a strike. (IW)

This checklist is intended to give school governing board members a means of assessing their meeting practices. The checklist contains five categories, with a total of 80 questions, pertaining to meeting-management variables common to all governing boards. The categories include: (1) preparation for the meetings; (2) operation of the meetings; (3)…

Outlines the reasons for having superintendents function as negotiators with employee unions. Includes six recommendations: (1) understand the negotiating process; (2) build a negotiating team; (3) know the costs; (4) learn negotiation rules; (5) develop a strategy; and (6) review these tips. Includes a list of pitfalls. (MD)

Harmonious working relationships among school board members can result when members strive for cooperation rather than unanimity, engage in frank discussion, treat others with respect, identify someone who can promote compromise, involve the superintendent, and consider improving organizational communication and functioning by hiring consultants,…