This paper explores the politics of various types of teacher compensation reforms, with a particular focus on pay for performance. It examines the political positions taken by the nations two teachers' unions, the extent to which these reflect the preferences of teachers, and how both influence the decisions by localities to implement reforms. New…

Compares the predictive validity of four indices of electoral conflict, three of which are based on the dissatisfaction theory of democracy. Uses a longitudinal study conducted in Washington. Results indicate that none of the formulas are predictors of school board incumbent defeat. (FMW)

"Straight A's: Public Education Policy and Progress" is a biweekly newsletter that focuses on education news and events both in Washington, DC and around the country. The following articles are included in this issue: (1) State of American Business: U.S. Chamber of Commerce Says U.S. Could Face a "Severe Worker Shortage" Unless…

Educational administrators have been aware of the effects of politics on the effective operation of schools since the political reform movement in the late 1800s and early 1900s. During this time of increased change and the demand for accountability, the ability to explain or anticipate political conflict in the community would be welcome by many…

The Dissatisfaction Theory of American Democracy (Iannaccone and Lutz, 1970) describes the political process whereby citizens in a reform governmental system, particularly in local school districts, make their values manifest in terms of public policy. The theory consists of four causally related factors; (1) community member values; (2) citizen…

The frequent turnover of school board members in the US represents a concern for many educational practitioners who worry about the discontinuity of leadership, leading to negative impacts on students and staff. School board member turnover is also a key variable in studies of democratic theories of public school governance. Using descriptive and…