Results of a recent study indicate that collective bargaining in community colleges has had little influence on several areas of administrative policy. However, it has had a substantial impact on administrator selection, class size, the calendar, evening and summer loads, grievance procedures, and overload. It has also given teachers a voice in…

This biweekly newsletter designed expressly for parents and families contains news and information about school improvement in the United States. This issue highlights three new areas of flexibility that the U.S. Department of Education is providing for teachers to achieve a "highly qualified" rating under the No Child Left Behind Act. These new…

Author describes how, without hiring additional teachers, the teaching load was lowered, the language arts curriculum was completely changed, and students and teachers taught and took what they wanted, while teaching and taking what they should" (Author/SP)

The 4-1-4 semester scheduling of courses at colleges and universities. (IR)

Describes the historical use and current status of part-time faculty in community colleges. Examines problems related to part-time faculty salaries, limited participation in curriculum and governance, noninstructional obligations, institutional commitment, and academic quality. Suggests addressing these problems through increased pay and benefits,…

Argues that public school teachers are unable to do their jobs properly because the classroom has become an unworkable environment. Advocates strong teacher associations that will force boards, administrators, and the community to make the changes necessary to facilitate real teaching. (SJL)

A study on a survey of department heads in 25 major universities that examines what department heads perceive to be the component parts in making assignments to faculty is discussed. The importance of evaluating faculty based on effort required rather than on time devoted to given tasks is stressed. (Author/MLW)

As a teacher of English, the author comments on teaching pressures that were glossed over in the CBS special "Is Anyone Out There Learning?" particularly the strictures of law and money and the lack of time with students. All articles in this journal issue comment on this television program. (SJL)

The author examines some of the negative effects that budget cuts and resulting increases in class size can have on the elementary teacher's ability to provide adequate instruction. (SJL)

The responses to questions of class size, degree requirements, starting salaries, and teaching load from 156 academic institutions involved in foreign language teaching are revealed. These may be benchmarks for evaluating and improving programs nationwide. (PMJ)

An experienced student teacher supervisor offers some beneficial information for those in and entering the field of education, including the advice to let student teachers do as much as they are able to do and as much as the cooperating teacher is willing to give up. (KC)

Examines the problems inherent in hiring part-time faculty at low wages to cover significant numbers of courses at community colleges. Suggests the system is wrought with unfairness and problems for all involved. (TB)

Thirty-nine states provided guidelines on student-teacher ratios for mildly handicapped students receiving special education services. Extreme variation was found in state recommended ratios and how ratios were defined. Ratios varied by special needs category, level of service, grade level, and age range; some states used weighted mathematical…