The appearance of Proposition 13, the Jarvis/Gann property tax limitation initiative, on the ballot in California in 1978 provoked legislators and educators alike to predict disastrous effects on education should the measure pass. Pass it did, and after the state went through a period of redistributing funds and the school districts reorganized…

Proceedings of a conference on policy issues pertinent to the design and implementation of teacher incentive plans are highlighted in this report. Seven papers and pursuant responses are presented, which include discussions on the definition and importance of teacher incentives, job redesign and its organizational impacts, constraint and variety…

Criticizes the invalid imposition of business principles upon the mission of higher education. Explores the best and worst aspects of tenure through the experiences of one senior and one junior faculty member. Concludes that the culture of tenure needs to be changed from an entitlement program to a public good. (MJP)

(Published by Commerce Clearing House, Inc., 4025 W. Peterson Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60646.)

The Texas Community College Teachers Association (TCCTA), formerly known as the Texas Junior College Teachers Association (TJCTA), publishes the TCCTA Messenger newsletter four times a year to cover events, legislation and TCCTA activities affecting Texas community colleges and their faculty. This document contains four newsletter issues…

This article describes how the rising cost of health insurance is being picked as the top budget concern of school businesses. These data were the result of a survey conducted by the Association of School Business Officials International. Schools report that the cost of insuring employees is outpacing increases in state and local budgets that…

Proceedings of a conference on policy issues pertinent to the design and implementation of teacher incentive plans are presented in this report. Seven papers and reactions to them are presented, which include discussions on the definition and importance of teacher incentives, job redesign and its organizational impacts, constraint and variety…

The author examines the current status of the academic profession at the college level. Work environment, productivity, and the impact of rapid growth and current cutbacks are emphasized. (DE)

The author discusses the problems facing colleges and universities, and some possible solutions. Emphasis is placed on the problems of lower enrollment, faculty, and research funding. The author argues that slower physical growth will result in growth in quality and service. (DE)

This publication summarizes the history of cost-of-living (COL) adjustment clauses in salary contracts in private industry and the teaching profession, and then discusses the pros and cons of including COL clauses in teacher contracts. The merits of COL clauses are examined from the viewpoints of both employees and employers. Included are a number…

Discusses the latest educational developments in Europe, specifically in England, West Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, and Italy. (RK)

As interest in expanding the number of high quality charter schools available to parents and students has grown, policy makers have increased their focus on identifying and providing support to new charter programs that have the potential to improve student outcomes and satisfy parent and student needs. Since 1994, the U.S. Department of Education…

The ramifications of a decision by the New Jersey Supreme Court that legislation shall provide for the maintenance and support of a "thorough and efficient" system of free public education for all children in the state from ages 5 to 18 are discussed. Salient points made by the court in the decision are examined, and ensuing reactions…

This is the 12th annual report on conditions affecting the Racine Unified School District (RUSD). This year, the analysis again focuses on the long-term historical trends in RUSD. The analysis compares RUSD data to data of nine peer school districts as well as statewide data. The peer districts are defined as those Wisconsin districts with…