Summarizes conclusions authors of the papers in this theme issue have drawn about the measurement quality and potential for linkage with teacher pay of three sets of teacher assessments and the feasibility of using these assessments as the framework for a knowledge-and skill-based pay system. (SLD)

During the 1920's merit pay became the most preferred system of teacher compensation; however, today fewer than 4 percent of the school systems in the United States use merit pay plans. The National Education Association suggests that merit pay is a "bogus issue" obscuring more significant areas of education needing reform, and the…

The current status of women and minority faculty is briefly reviewed, and alternative explanations for patterns of differences that exist are identified. Although female faculty have gained in their proportionate representation during the 1970s, they still lag behind their strength of a half century ago. In addition, female scholars tend to be…

The chapters in this book contain a comprehensive reference to recent state appellate and federal court decisions affecting the operation and governance of public elementary and secondary schools. The chapters are: (1) "The Use of School Facilities by Student Groups for Religious Activities," (2) "Denial of Standard Diploma to…

In this paper we examine the research literature on teacher performance pay. Evidence clearly suggests an upsurge of interest in many states and school districts; however, expanded use of performance pay has been controversial. We briefly review the history of teacher pay policy in the U.S. and earlier cycles of interest in merit or…