Discusses substantive and procedural restraints, including legal pitfalls, due process, and no-layoff clauses, within which public employers must decide questions of reduction in workforce (RIF). Describes elements of a sound RIF policy and considers ways of using the collective bargaining process to facilitate the RIF process. (JBM)

Reports the findings of a survey on the numbers of secondary school science and mathematics teachers from 1974 to 1979. Indicates a decline in the number of teachers with majors and minors in science and mathematics. Recommends that professional organizations encourage more qualified persons to work as teachers. (SK)

Reports on an attempt to raise teacher salaries through an extended contract made possible through year-round school schedules. Teacher satisfaction with the 1987 experiment in three California schools (the Orchard Plan) has been high. Elements that have contributed to job satisfaction are discussed. (SLD)

Discusses the impact of demographic trends in the United States and state-mandated teacher certification practices on the minority teacher population in elementary and secondary schools. Lists six elements which should be included in a comprehensive teacher certification process aimed at assisting minority teacher candidates in becoming certified.…

Reviews "Who Will Teach? Policies That Matter" (Richard J. Murnane, Judith D. Singer, John Willett, James J. Kemple, and Randall J. Olsen), a book on teacher workforce policy issues. The book uses labor market analyses and economic tools to effectively address some issues but overlooks others of equal importance. (JB)

Reports data gathered by the National Center for Education Statistics concerning enrollment trends and projections in public and private preprimary, elementary, and middle schools; minority enrollment trends; and trends in teacher employment, state and federal school support, school use of computers, student reading abilities, and adoption of…

Observes the changes in public education that occurred along the Wisconsin frontier. As the territory progressed, education changed from a winter-term only enterprise lead by male farmer/teachers to a full term lead by professionally trained women teachers. Identifies professionalization as the greatest influence on the feminization of teaching.…

Maintains that the tenure system has resulted in departments that are hierarchal, intellectually stagnant, and self- serving. Advocates reforming the current system by introducing merit evaluations and more flexible career paths. Refutes the basic arguments supporting tenure and recommends free market incentives as a cure-all for academic…

As community colleges struggle with keeping their disciplines and programs up-to-date, offer more courses to an ever-increasing student population, and battle shrinking budgets, adjunct faculty save the day (Roueche, Roueche, & Milliron, 1995). To retain quality part-time faculty members already employed in community colleges, as well as new hires…

Presents a series of questions those aspiring to teach music education at the university level should ask themselves. The questions cover a broad range of topics including academic reputation and job placement, importance of teaching experience, physical and emotional factors, and faculty recommendations. Each question is answered thoroughly. (MJP)

This article discusses the value of professional portfolios, describes how they are used in a five-year Canadian teacher preparation program, and includes criteria for assessing student teacher portfolios. Findings from two surveys of superintendents indicate that, overall, including a portfolio among an applicant's credentials can enhance the…

Discusses J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College's (JSRCC) improvement of teacher education by developing courses that reflect national mathematics and science standards, providing "preteaching" experiences and in-service courses for current teachers, actively recruiting students for the teaching profession, forming preteaching student…