A survey of school district superintendents sought to gather data on a number of characteristics and compare the data to studies conducted in 1971 and 1982. From a random sample of 2,536 superintendents, stratified by district size, usable survey responses were received from 1,724, for a return rate of 68 percent, or 11 percent of all United…

This publication presents a collection of articles about education drawn from magazines, journals, books, and reports. The collection includes 13 selections touching on key educational issues, challenging ideas, and proposals for change: (1) "First Born, Fast Grown: The Manful Life of Nicholas" (Isabel Wilkerson); (2) "Putting…

Comparisons between 35 small/rural K-12 Kansas school districts (900 students or fewer) and 642 similar districts nationwide use data gathered during 1982-83. Qualifying Kansas districts (208, enrolling 95,466 students) were identified, to be compared to 4,125 qualifying districts nationwide. A questionnaire mailed to superintendents of 36…

A 1982-83 survey produced data used to compare 17 small/rural K-12 New Mexico school districts (900 students or fewer) with 642 similar districts nationwide. Of New Mexico's 88 school districts, 43 were identified as qualifying (48.9%, enrolling 16,648 students), for comparison to 4,125 similar districts nationwide. A questionnaire mailed to…

This paper analyzes prevalent methods of comparing schools' performance and recommends alternative measures more helpful toward understanding how schools might be improved. The influence of two factors--resource availability and financial need--on the level of school programming is explained in light of Michigan's system of educational finance.…

Identification of the causes of job stress for public school superintendents, with a focus on personal-experiential and task variables, is the purpose of this study. Methodology involved a mail survey of 1,531 randomly selected superintendents. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) and multiple regression correlation (MCR) analysis were used to…

Of 238 small K-12 rural public school districts (enrollments under 900) identified in the Arkansas study, 40 were chosen for use in gathering information to assist educators in understanding and improving education of rural residents. An 80% response rate to the 123-item questionnaire mailed to superintendents provided information on district…

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…

This report, compiled by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, offers an overview of education in Pennsylvania from the past through the present with future projections. Extensive use of data in the form of tables and graphs is used to analyze the three main sections of the book: demographic trends, basic education, and higher education.…

Education in America is of vital importance, but has declined. It can be improved through empowering the individual, empowering the economy, and empowering the nation, according to this campaign speech presented here. (BJV)

Compares and contrasts the composition of the Carnegie Task Force and the Holmes Group, their reports on teacher education, and their effect on the reform movement. Both groups recommend abolishing undergraduate degrees in education, raising teachers' salaries, increasing the number of minority teachers, and other improvements in the teaching…

In order to improve the quality of American education, we need to improve teacher education and the assistance given to new teachers, raise teacher salaries, and give teachers greater professional authority. However, some of the criticims directed at the public schools are really an attempt to destroy public education. (IS)

This report outlines problems in California's public school teaching force, from training to recruitment to retention. It describes who currently teaches, notes the lack of minority teachers in an increasingly diverse student population, and examines pathways to teaching and barriers to certification. It details the teaching crisis in the state's…

During the past several years, policymakers and practitioners have concentrated their energies on resolving equity/adequacy issues, reforming school tax structures, improving schools' efficiency and cost-effectiveness, developing school-based accountability, and exploring alternative cost-cutting and fundraising strategies. Total expenditures for…

Presents a 1988 roundtable discussion among Soviet educators and government officials organized by "Soveskaii Rosiia" editors. Delineated rural school problems and was conducted before the Soviet All-Union Congress of Workers in Public Education. Examines negative rural stereotypes and areas for improvement. Ties school improvement to…