This report describes major issues in teaching and current initiatives and proposals to strengthen teaching in New York State. An overview is presented of state action and local projects aimed at teacher improvement in the areas of: (1) recruitment and preservice teacher education; (2) teacher certification; (3) staff development and other…

This paper highlights the findings of Gougeon's 1989 study of high school principals of schools with grade configurations 9 through 12 in the state of Washington, a study based on the Principal Leadership as Social Control (PLASC) theory. Accordingly, the first section describes the PLASC theory as social control of teachers through power- and…

This work provides sample letters, charts, timelines, and checklists, to help principals adequately prepare for possible teacher dismissal. Chapter 1, "Describing the Marginal Teacher," lists traits common to marginal teachers. Chapter 2, "Establishing the Teacher Evaluation Process," presents a monthly timeline for assessing…

This report is an initial effort to provide systematic information on teacher contracts in Massachusetts. In 1999, the Pioneer Institute solicited copies of the current contract from all districts in the state. Forty districts were selected to reflect the makeup of the Commonwealth. This study confirms that teacher compensation is determined by…

One of the most frequent problems confronting employers is the need to investigate allegations of or suspicions that an employee has been involved in misconduct and take appropriate action when the evidence substantiates the wrongdoing. School district employers are no exception. Respect and trust in the school working environment are achieved by…

Local boards of education in New Jersey are authorized by law to withhold increments of staff members in certain circumstances. The purpose of this publication is to provide an analysis and summary of decisions involving a board's exercise of this authority, and it is intended to serve as a guide and a reference tool to be used in determining when…

Thirty elementary school principals from twelve Michigan urban school districts attended a series of inservice training programs emphasizing the development of management skills necessary for elementary principals to administer a comprehensive community education program. Each monthly session of the year-long program was dedicated to a specific…

To convince federal policy-makers that the sexual harassment of students is both illegal and serious, the National Advisory Council on Women's Educational Programs issued and circulated a "Call for Information on the Sexual Harassment of Students," a request for descriptive anecdotes from victims and others who knew of harassment…

Examines the status of legal authority relative to control of teacher conduct before the 1960s and analyzes subsequent developments in the areas of constitutional rights, civil rights, State courts' protection of teachers' privacy, and collective bargaining. Considers how legal restrictions affect the extent of school officials' authority.…

An article and three responses on sexual harassment in higher education are presented: "Sexual Harassment in Higher Education: What We've Learned" (Anne Truax); "Who Is Responsible for Sexual Harassment?" (Barbara G. Taylor); "The Feminist-Unionist Dilemma" (Sherna Berger Gluck); and "Sexual Harassment and…

This paper provides practical advice on reviewing and designing disciplinary procedures and is set in the context of incorporation of further education and sixth form colleges in England. Reasons are provided for having disciplinary rules, based on the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service's (ACAS) Code of Practice. Relevant English…

From year to year the types of disputes that courts are asked to settle regarding teachers and other school employees vary considerably. This variation may result in part from previous litigation that was directly related to teachers and presumably settled specific issues regarding them, has modified the apparent urgency of such litigation, or has…

A nationwide controversy over the right of privacy has arisen as a result of companies probing into their workers' habits and health through such means as mandatory drug tests, electronic databases, and lie detector tests. The legal claims arising from these civil suits against employers for invasion of privacy have established precedents that are…

One hundred twenty-five Chicago (Illinois) area elementary and secondary school teachers were surveyed through responses to a 44-item questionnaire to determine the extent of their knowledge of school law. Many of the questions were based on Illinois school law, and the findings are qualified by local school district practice and the…

The Supreme Court ordered a lower court to reexamine the free-speech case of a controversial City University of New York black studies professor, demoted from department chairman for making racially biased statements seen as disruptive. The rights of public universities to make such decisions was a central issue. (MSE)