This report compares average rates of frequent teacher absence (more than 10 days) for teachers with and without union or union-like contracts in traditional public schools and charter schools. The study's rationale is that such absences substantively harm students and cost taxpayers billions of dollars. It finds that teachers contractually…

Arguing that administrators can help establish a more constructive atmosphere in their school districts by offering sincere praise whenever possible, the author provides a list of do's and don'ts that will contribute to the perception that the praise offered is genuine. (JBM)

An attorney provides the legal background for sexual harassment suits. Defines actions that school administrators can take to limit exposure to a charge of sexual harassment or to provide a good defense once a charge has been filed. Contains a sample effective sexual harassment policy and a 17-item sexual harassment quiz. (MLF)

Drawing on research that considers out-of-school conditions, in-school conditions, and transformational leadership, the article constructs a strategy for building teachers' commitment to change, demonstrating that alterability of variables by facilitators of teacher commitment can positively influence curriculum reform. Findings explaining…

This essay reviews quality of work life as a management technique and argues that quality-of-work-life programs, conceptualized multidimensionally, offer a unique mechanism for improving working conditions in schools and within districts. A brief analysis of major management ideologies concludes that some techniques advocated under the label of…