The effects of pay incentives on teacher absence rates were examined. The records of 292 teachers revealed that absence declined significantly and perfect attendance rose from 8 to 34 percent during an attendance incentive plan. Reduction in sick leave was accompanied by a significant increase in the use of personal days. (Author/CH)

Describes a program that reduced teacher absences by 55 percent. (IRT)

Gaps in school achievement among racial/ethnic groups and between students from different socioeconomic circumstances are well documented. They are wide and persistent, well known and widely acknowledged. This report focuses on the conditions and experiences that create and perpetuate achievement gaps. It is the second edition of the report…

Most of the studies of the return on investment in early childhood education have focused on the big payoffs in reduced public and societal costs associated with child welfare, public assistance, crime and incarceration, and benefits related to increased education and earnings. Several studies focus specifically on costs and benefits within the…

"Education Matters" is the monthly newsletter of the Association of American Educators (AAE), an organization dedicated to advancing the American teaching profession through personal growth, professional development, teacher advocacy and protection. This issue of the newsletter includes: (1) Is She Your Competition? Are India's Students…

To discover how teachers feel about a bonus program designed to give stipends to teachers with few absences, the author surveyed teachers in two elementary schools, one an urban school with a heterogeneous student body and the other suburban and homogeneous. By using a questionnaire, information was gathered on (1) standard demographic…

Research suggests that current methods of obtaining and training substitute teachers benefit neither substitutes nor students. A staff development program that is continuous, addresses substitute teachers' expressed needs, creates lines of communication, and provides continuously accessible resources is needed. Includes three references. (MLH)

Although the relationship between teacher job satisfaction and absenteeism is tenuous, the relationship is apt to be stronger under conditions of high work interdependence rather than under moderate or low interdependence. (Author/IRT)

The problem of student and teacher absenteeism is examined in terms of costs and the effect on academic performance, and solutions are suggested. A description of the major research to determine causes and to describe the nonattenders is included. (JMF)

Suggests ways classroom teachers can prepare for absences and help make substitute teaching productive. Recommends forming a list of preferred substitutes at the beginning of the school year; clarifying with students expected behavior; and preparing a permanent substitute packet. (LS)

Discusses the need for a comprehensive substitute teacher program in schools along with the important components of such a program. Identifies the roles of the principal, regular teacher, substitute teacher, and the superintendent in an effective substitute teacher program. (HB)

A successful program to improve personnel attendance has reduced sick leave in 40 New Jersey school districts without increasing dismissals, grievances, or costs. The author describes the five steps in this Attendance Improvement Program (AIP), including (1) analysis of data on staff absences due to illness; (2) preparation of operating guidelines…

This study is intended as an aid to administrators who want to develop absenteeism policies that produce cost-efficient methods of staffing during teacher absences. Undertaken during the school year 1977-78, this project is the most comprehensive study of its kind in the state of Pennsylvania. Its first purpose--to explore the basic…

As school systems grow both vertically and horizontally, they face forces tending both to unify (centripetal) and to disunify (centrifugal). A viable system growth involves a blend of both forces on both vertical and horizontal dimensions. It is often assumed that the disunifying impact of centrifugal forces is of such proportion that the…

This report compiles results of studies conducted in American Samoa, Chuuk, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Hawai'i, Kosrae, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, Pohnpei, and Yap. It was conducted in the 1996-97 school year by Pacific Resources for Education and Learning in close collaboration with…