On the basis of experiences gleaned from applying for seven superintendent positions, a superintendent offers suggestions that might help school boards in their recruitment efforts. (MLF)

Offers school board members 10 tried-and-true signs that can help them know when to retire. (MLF)

The president of the school board in Crockett, Texas, claims that the programs employing affective education and values clarification approaches have actually increased the behaviors they were designed to prevent. Admonishes school board members to listen to and investigate the concerns of parents. (MLF)

Telephone interviews with 43 of the 50 state school board associations revealed that 10 states have mandatory training and 32 had voluntary training. The most frequently cited training activities were school board associations' annual conventions cited by 31 states. Suggests possible avenues of development in school board training. (MLF)

Instead of a cast of characters, not unlike those of the television show "Seinfeld," school boards should be an ensemble. When a board collaborates in a trusting, positive atmosphere of mutual respect, these qualities are ultimately reflected in the classroom. Lists six questions that can help difficult boards find ways to work together. (MLF)

In an employment setting, psychological assessment focuses on the knowledge, skills, abilities, and characteristics that would lead to success in a specific assignment. Offers suggestions for selecting a psychologist and estimates costs. (MLF)

This handbook is intended to provide information and guidance to school boards as they consider their role in school reform and restructuring. It begins with an outline of essential components of successful school reform, as well as factors that retard reform, so that boards can learn from the experiences of others and evaluate reforms against…

The Massachusetts Board of Education Task Force on Public School Youth, Education, and Employment concluded that, in general, the structure of effective policy in the area of preparing youth for employment was already in place. Given changes in workplace requirements and problems schools currently face, however, it was determined that the State…

Because an excellent education depends on a balanced program of academics and activities, the Idaho Commission on Excellence recommends changes in 17 areas, including proficiency tests for all sixth and eighth graders and core course requirements for high school graduation. Administrators should complete 6 hours of graduate work every 5 years, and…

Grievance procedures must be fast and fair to satisfy everyone and to disrupt the normal workflow as little as possible. The following factors help make for effective procedures: (1) binding arbitration, because it is orderly and unbiased; (2) contributions to contract language by the contract administrators; (3) absolute honesty about contract…

This report describes the process by which an integrated evaluation, planning, and budgeting system was developed and refined for use in Georgia's postsecondary vocational education system. An introductory section reviews the factors responsible for the lack of a systematic process in Georgia and outlines the objectives of the system development…

The "management of crisis," as opposed to crisis management," requires prior planning. Boards of education that habitually practice courtesy and have some knowledge of group dynamics do not create controversy by their own actions and will have fewer controversial meetings to manage. Policymakers should know ahead of time what issues are likely to…

This report is intended to provide useful information to members of California's State Board of Education, who have varying levels of knowledge about special education. The first chapter reviews the evaluation of special education laws and describes court cases affecting special education. Chapter 2 examines two basic issues: the proper role of…

Because responsible stewardship of public funds is involved, school boards are obligated to establish sound criteria for purchasing essential goods and services. Supporting the local economy is appropriate when local businesses offer the most competitive prices. An inset describes a 1986 publication, "Education Inc.," that discusses schools'…

This "quick course" in grantsmanship explains how school systems apply and obtain funding from major outside agencies. Provides examples of kinds of programs that stand a better chance of receiving funding. Recommends how to answer questions required of proposals and offers an application checklist to follow. (CJH)