Reviews the importance, role, and responsibilities of boards of education for newly elected board members. Emphasizes communication between the community and the board and school administrators and the board. Outlines the qualities of successful board members. (FMW)

This report is a review and summary of current information regarding test accommodations currently used in different states and districts for English language learners (ELL). Similarities and differences among states regarding ELL accommodation are documented. Five appendixes are included: (1) Accommodations Designated for ELLs in States'…

A centennial supplement marking the hundredth anniversary of The American School Board Journal contains articles that relate the history of the magazine decade by decade, often quoting from the magazine's pages. (MLF)

This chapter examines cases reported during 1981 that address the issue of school board governance. In addition to immunity cases, topics covered include the legal issues involved in establishing school board policies, the powers and responsibilities of school boards, open meeting laws, school board member misconduct, school elections, school…

This chapter addresses cases reported in 1982 involving aspects of school board governance. Topics covered include powers of state boards of education; powers and duties of local boards; open meeting laws; school boards and conflicts of interest; school district and board members' election, appointment, and recall; school district organization;…

Provides a review of the literature published in the past two decades on the role and effectiveness of local school boards, specifically with respect to school boards' influence on students' academic achievement. Identifies characteristics of effective school boards. (SLD)

Chicago's Local School Councils (LSCs) are the key to successful school reform efforts. Among the numerous decisions that LSCs make that have major effects on schools are the selection of a principal, the adoption of a school improvement plan, and the approving of a school's budget. Based on attendance of over 250 LSC meetings by staff of the…

A telephone survey of school superintendents in Newfoundland (Labrador) found that 13 of 14 school districts had adopted sexual harassment policies. However, none of the policies contained all elements required to constitute a comprehensive policy; few procedures existed for informing new or current personnel of sexual harassment policies; and…

Interest in preschool programs appears to be increasing, but the experts continue to disagree over the value of such programs. This review of recent developments accomplishes the following: (1) looks at the popular acceptance of a school-sponsored, universal, voluntary, free, prekindergarten program in South Tama County, Iowa; (2) notes research…

Based on doctoral research on the possible relationship between board involvement in contract talks and increased labor strikes, advises school boards to avoid involvement in contract negotiations. (MLF)

The author notes that two trends appear to be developing in litigation over the governance of the public schools. One trend is increasing participation of organized groups in suits against the schools. The other is a greater volume of litigation dealing with open meeting laws and freedom of information acts. Reflecting the second trend, the…

Reviews books which emphasize the modicum of influence exercised by the public on educational policy. Data were obtained on community-school interaction in 17 communities. Control of educational policy was demonstrated to be in the hands of administrators, with tacit consent of the public. (Author/DB)

Compares voter turnout in California school board elections when elections were scheduled in even-numbered years rather than odd-numbered years. Findings from selected school districts since 1985 show significant differences in voter turnout depending on the year: 43.85% voter turnout occurred in even-numbered years compared to 20.79% in odd. (GLR)

This report provides a review of literature published in the past 2 decades on the role and effectiveness of school boards. Though school boards are but one component of school district leadership--the superintendent and other district administrators and staff constituting the other main components--school boards are the focus of this review…

This report is one of a series produced by a research team at the Center for the Study of Teaching and Policy, a national research consortium home-based at the University of Washington. The reports are intended to clarify each leadership issue, while assembling what is known from empirical studies. The information in these reports lays the…