Courts have been reluctant to interfere with the decision-making authority of local school boards. However, a reduction-in-force (RIF) decision can be legally challenged by a discharged employee with evidence that the school board has either: (1) acted arbitrarily or capriciously, (2) failed to comply with procedural mandates, or (3) utilized…

Working from the basic assumption that the primary motivation for those involved in school governance is self-interest, this paper develops and discusses 15 hypotheses that form the essential elements of an economic theory of school governance. The paper opens with a review of previous theories of governance and their origins in social science…

This monograph explores the implicit and explicit public policy issues inherent in the debate over who is responsible for teacher certification and standards. A question is raised on the process to be used in making key decisions about the content of teacher education programs and entry into teaching. The issue of whether state agencies will…

This monograph presents an overview of the issues associated with teacher supply and demand, teacher recruitment, and teacher preparedness, including a summary of the findings of three recent national policy reports on teaching and education ("Tomorrow's Teachers,""A Nation Prepared: Teachers for the 21st Century," and "Time for Results: The…

This report provides analysis and preliminary recommendations on a mandate that requires and contributes to the development of physical education components in Illinois public schools. The report is presented in sections dealing with: (1) five areas of analysis and sources of information; (2) legal requirements and statutory authority for…

Since there are few extrinsic rewards available to teachers, school boards should enhance intrinsic rewards in order to increase teacher motivation. Studies indicate that classroom interaction, feelings of personal achievement, and pride in workmanship are primary motivators for teachers. Absenteeism may be reduced through strong community support…

Governors are united in their commitment to improve America's high schools. Nationwide, only 71 percent of students graduate from high school, and only 18 percent of high school freshmen go on to complete a college degree on time. Deficits in basic skills cost colleges, businesses, and underprepared high school graduates as much as $16 billion…

Court decisions on the autonomy of school sports regulators are examined in the context of "transfer rules." Transfer rules, which limit student participation in athletics after transferring from one school to another, were selected because of the large body of administrative material and case law that they have generated. (Author/MLF)

Counselors must be aware of the political forces that affect their work and develop a sense of political acumen in dealing with these forces. Effective approaches for counselors to employ in dealing with school boards are personal contact, having needs assessment information available, and presenting options. (Author)

Analysis of 82 court cases involving pregnancy discrimination, 1972-91, shows that this litigation revealed the gender bias of equal employment opportunity law and capitalist economic relations, eroded assumptions about economic imperatives for not accommodating pregnant workers, and laid the groundwork for the Family and Medical Leave Act of…

In school systems with a zero-tolerance policy, principals must recommend that students who carry weapons on campus be expelled. Some critics say zero-tolerance policies do not allow enough room for exceptions. Describes the Gun-Free Schools Act. (MLF)

Presents the research finding that collection development based on sound principles can ensure both better quality materials and increased use by teachers and students. Findings suggesting that collection development should be a cooperative enterprise framed by board- and school-approved guidelines are listed. (seven references) (EA)

Background: Comprehensive school-based physical activity programs consist of physical education and other physical activity opportunities including recess and other physical activity breaks, intramurals, interscholastic sports, and walk and bike to school initiatives. This article describes the characteristics of school physical education and…

School board members' perceptions of the socialization process involved in the learning and development of their roles are described in this report. Methodology involved indepth interviews with 28 school board members from two rural and three suburban public school districts in Pennsylvania and New York, document analysis, and observation.…

The primary purpose of this report is to describe the practices and procedures used by school districts to assess and grade student achievement. In April of 1988, the Educational Research Service conducted a nationwide survey of the grading and reporting practices and procedures using a stratified random sample of public school districts. The…