This document begins with a brief historical survey of the practice of teacher certification in the United States. PBTE (Performance-Based Teacher Education) as a device in teacher certification, particularly in New York, is also considered as well as inservice evaluation as practiced in New York State. The conclusions that emerge from these…

Surveys disclose excellent program characteristics--also unanswered questions relevant to both rural and urban efforts. (Editor)

Presents both sides of the recent, widely publicized, controversial decision made by the Island Trees School Board to banish certain books from the school library and curriculum. (Author/PF)

School staff members need continuing opportunities to learn and grow because the waves of social change strike them first and most powerfully. Research on effective schools tends to stress staff development as crucial. School boards are involved in the development of their staff. A staff development program of broad scope and sharp focus can…

This case study documents how the school board of the city of New Rochelle, New York, handled change when it transmuted from being appointed to being elected. Local policy implications undergird such a transition. Specifically, a review of political influences and outcomes on school board policy and how the board and the city's politicians coped…

Describes the working relationship between a board of education and the superintendent of schools. Outlines specific responsibilities of the superintendent. Discusses problems of policy development and administration and accountability of the school board to the community. (FMW)

The guidelines discuss the role of the New York Board of Education in the education of children with handicapping conditions. Specific sections address roles regarding relationship to the Committee on the Handicapped, identification of children needing special education, development of individualized education programs, assurance of…

This book provides current information on general questions pertaining to various statutory enactments, court decisions, and administrative decisions affecting public schools. Since it is intended for use by boards of education in New York State, heavy emphasis is placed on provisions that apply specifically to New York schools. However, some of…

The material presented in this pamphlet is a guide to the boards of education and the schools of New York State in setting up accounting procedures that conform to the regulations of the New York State Commissioner of Education for the control of extraclassroom activity funds. These funds are defined in those regulations as "funds raised…

This report presents findings of state-wide use of pesticides in New York public schools along with a description of the survey, information about the potential dangers of these chemicals, and the steps schools and communities can take to minimize pesticide use. Findings show that 87 percent of New York's schools use pesticides that contain…

Membership on a board of education had been referred to as the most ill-defined position in local government. This paper presents findings of a study that examined the perceptions of experienced New York State school board members concerning 20 policy-formation and administrative activities. The respondents were asked to indicate whether a board…

Following reports of irregularities in the May 1973 school board elections of New York City, the New York Commissioner of Education asked the author to identify the difficulties encountered by the voters and candidates, on both election day and in the period for registration and nomination which preceded it, and to recommend such changes in the…

The school superintendent describes the process of integration in the White Plains, New York, schools and reports on some findings of a before and after study of achievement. The racial balance plan, achieved by busing inner city Negro children to formerly all-white schools, has not had an adverse effect on the academic achievement of white…

Recent studies have questioned the decision making influence of both elected and appointed school boards. More research into the decision making functions of boards was needed, and one opportunity to do further research was presented in an upstate school district in New York. A moderately sized city with a K-12 school population of 3,200 changed…