Research at the National Program for Playground Safety shows good playground policies can be summed up by the acronym SAFE: supervising the playground equipment; choosing age-appropriate playground equipment; cushioning falls; and maintaining equipment and surfaces. Sidebars include a playground safety quiz and information sources. (MLF)

A Massachusetts school board member's travels with Global Volunteers have provided an opportunity to see how people of different cultures live and work. Global Volunteers is a nonprofit organization that sends small groups of volunteers to developing countries or to underprivileged areas in Mississippi and Texas to help local people with work…

Numerous studies indicate that student learning is directly linked to the quality of teaching that occurs in the classroom. School boards can play a vital role in staff development. They should adopt standards for student learning, teaching, leadership, and staff development. Adequate funding and an incentive system that rewards improvements in…

This study examines local, ongoing inservice practices and programs for school board members in Pennsylvania in order to devise a program that local districts can adapt or adopt in response to their own needs. Following a brief introduction, a summary describes how data for the study were gathered by means of a series of interviews and…

This paper describes current, official, statewide policy toward Illinois' 125 private colleges and universities. An opening section describes the historical development of higher education policy in the state since 1945. The next section summarizes the major current board of education policies in regulation, planning, student financial aid,…

This guide has two main objectives: (1) to help school board members become better governors of the local educational enterprise; and (2) to help school board members respond to questions from the public about the National Commission on Excellence in Education report entitled "A Nation at Risk." To meet these objectives, the guide offers…

Unless school boards link member training and school improvement plans to performance evaluations for themselves and their schools, the exercise might not be worth the time and effort. Board evaluation should focus on three general areas: board dynamics, policy process, and educational quality. Three evaluation approaches should be considered:…

This publication completes the series that focuses on the five groups of persons involved in the educational "ministry" of the Catholic school. Based on a survey of pastors and diocesan and archdiocesan superintendents of concerns related to the pastor and his role within the school community, this essay discusses seven areas of pastoral concern…

A carefully prepared agenda is the first step toward a successful school board meeting. Board members should receive the agenda and supporting materials before the agenda becomes public. Guidelines are suggested for ordering agenda items and preparing an evaluation form. (MLF)

The pros and cons of financial disclosure laws of varying strictness and their effects on school board members are discussed. Recent trends are noted and a tabulation is provided of the statutory requirements concerning disclosure of personal finances and campaign contributions in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. (PGD)

Board members from around the country identified the keys to successful school board campaigns. Generally, board members say the cost of waging an election campaign is rising. Candidates are making fuller use of voter lists to target demographic groups. A sidebar lists the high cost of getting elected in the large districts of Dade county,…

Discusses facets of a good working relationship between a school board and its attorney. Items to consider include (1) knowing when to call counsel and who should call; (2) separating legal advice from policy opinions; and (3) routinely reviewing the attorney's service to the board. (MLF)

Recalls some of the memorable events that were unfolding when "The American School Board Journal" began publication. Affirms the magazine's commitment to the characteristics of its readers: value placed on integrity and careful craftsmanship; and demand for direct control over the education of children. (MLF)

The only way to prepare for a violence-induced crisis in a school system is to develop a crisis-preparedness policy. Offers guidelines to a school board in developing such a plan. (MLF)

Golden rules for negotiating a good labor contract are directed at two groups: the negotiating team and the school board. (MLF)