Discusses five variations of staff splitting, a psychological process that starts with seemingly innocent comments that fester in the subconscious of others, leading members of the staff to seek evidence of inconsistencies and individual differences. Provides explicit guidelines and insights about how to turn staff splitting into an opportunity…

Four contributors discuss the difficulty of instituting a fair merit pay system, the threat merit pay may pose to teachers' academic freedom and job security, and possible solutions to the merit pay dilemma, such as a tenure/merit pay option, evaluation by a central board, or by peers. (MM)

This article describes the major trends in the school choice movement, including its various formats and outcomes and particularly its impact on teachers. An argument is advanced that choice can be a powerful tool for teacher empowerment and professionalization. A 12-item checklist for school choice programs is included. (IAH)

Organizations, foundations, and individuals are concentrating their energies on making teaching a true profession. They are seeking changes in the way teachers are prepared, how they are evaluated and certified, their continuing professional development, and their compensation and working conditions. (Author/IAH)

The trend toward increasing the use and cost-effectiveness of off-campus, open university-style instructional programs in Australia is analyzed from the point of view of its impact on faculty welfare, curriculum reorganization, and institutional autonomy. (MSE)

Reviews studies on occupational stress among teachers in British schools. Considers the prevalence of self-reported occupational stress, sources of stress, symptoms and effects, and coping actions. Argues that, in view of changes in education, further research is needed to provide updated information on which to base an understanding of teacher…

Describes some of the reasons teachers are quitting the profession and recommends specific actions school board members can take (1) to improve school facilities, curricula, and teaching conditions, and (2) to meet student needs. (IW)

Presents perspectives of five authorities in education on the question of academic freedom in elementary, secondary, and higher education. Suggests that the meaning of academic freedom has become more ambiguous and elusive as new social and educational settings have developed in recent years. (Author/MJL)

Three possible futures for teaching and for teacher education are projected: (1) Teacher education colleges will become the chief source of professional preparation and development; (2) Teachers will respond to the workplace primarily through collective action; and (3) The states will control ends, means, and markets. Cooperation between teachers…

The external and internal pressures exerted on school psychologists are reviewed and recommendations for resolving the conflicts are made. External sources of pressure include special educators, federal legislation, teachers' unions. Internal sources include clinical psychologists, the issues involving the definition of professional psychologist…

Discovers that female high school teachers, regardless of seniority levels, experience higher levels of stress during school inspection than male teachers. Both male and female teachers felt more nervous when dealing with inspectors of a different gender. Includes statistical tables and possible explanations. (MJP)

Examines eight factors affecting change in the California social studies curriculum. Considers Limited-English-Proficient students, uninterested students, teacher standards, teacher recruitment, support of teachers, the 1988 History-Social Science Framework, textbook adoption, and the California Assessment Program. Argues that a proactive…

Recommendations for chairs of college-level foreign language departments include: being supportive of the department; communicating fully and openly with faculty and staff; promoting grantsmanship; and encouraging staff and faculty. Recommendations for deans working with chairs and department heads include: consulting frequently and communicating…

Describes the number and types of incentives offered to teachers in 67 rural schools in Virginia and examines effect on teacher recruitment and retention. Finds success in recruitment/retention directly related to the range of incentives and rewards. Notes most school districts offer no rewards to superior teachers. (LFL)

Reports on proceedings of the 1986 conventions of the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers. Both conventions focused on the endorsement of the Carnegie report, on the professionalization of teaching, on programs to fight rising dropout rates and teacher shortages, and on the success of union leadership. (IW)