School districts across the country are developing information and special programs to assist substitute teachers. The following examples of such initiatives illustrate creative, often cost effective practices to improve the effectiveness of substitute teachers or to reduce the district's need for them: (1) Many districts have developed handbooks…

This issue of "SubJournal" focuses on research and reports relating to substitute teaching, teacher absenteeism, and classroom management. Articles included within this issue are as follows: (1) No Substitute for Quality: A Time Series Quasi-Experimental Study of the Effects of a Pay for Performance Remedy for Teacher Absenteeism (Susan Lugo); (2)…

Argues that when teachers take time away from the classroom for workshops, teacher meetings and similar activities, students suffer. Adds that taking time away from the classroom for school improvement tasks is counterproductive. Suggests that rethinking the school calendar is a way to minimize disruption, and offers several possible scenarios.…

Research supports the notion that substitute teachers generally are ineffective. This study examines whether trained substitutes can be as effective as assigned teachers in teaching students with behavior disorders. Findings showed that substitutes with intensive inservice training in behavior management were equally effective for one-day…

Many recent studies have revealed a dramatic increase in teacher absenteeism. Some findings indicate that absenteeism increases following collective bargaining agreements that provide a set number of days that employees may be compensated for illness. There appears to be a growing public reaction to such absenteeism. A New York study noted that…

Over the course of their kindergarten through twelfth grade education, children in American public schools will spend the equivalent of one school year under the guidance of a substitute teacher. Yet in most districts, substitutes are given the keys to the classroom without a day's training. While requirements vary by state, some may hold advanced…

Examines policies and procedures concerning substitute teachers in public schools in the 19-state area encompassed by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. (MH)

The "State Teacher Policy Yearbook" examines what is arguably the single most powerful authority over the teaching profession: state government. This Colorado edition of the National Council on Teacher Quality's (NCTQ's) "State Teacher Policy Yearbook" is the first of what will be an annual look at the status of state policies…

This publication summarizes the findings of several initiatives in studying the health aspects of secondary agriculture teachers in the United States. The study was specifically conducted to determine the health experiences of secondary agriculture teachers, the health problems that cause them to miss work, their health care concerns, personal…

Unavoidable absences of both students and teachers in college preparatory math classes adversely affected achievement and produced academic frustration in a moderately affluent urban high school. In order to reduce the frustration level and to promote continuity and meaningful activity on teacher absence days, videotaped reviews of material…