Dexter, Kansas, uses a four-day school week that is improving classroom instruction and cutting energy bills. There is evidence that four-day schedules improve student achievement, increase attendance, allow more class time, raise teacher morale, and provide more staff development time. (MD)

This discussion of the conditions under which teachers work focuses on threats of violence, out-of-control classes, and lack of support from administrators. (IRT)

The Dallas Independent School District's staff stress reduction and health awareness program is described. The program features medical screening, fitness assessment, goal setting, exercise and nutrition prescriptions, health education, exercise classes, motivation, and feedback. Benefits reported include significantly improved health and attitude…

A school board member, pursuing literature findings on the relationship between classroom size and student achievement/quality instruction, discovers that data support "any hypotheses." The investigator concluded that educational research does not reflect actual student-teacher classroom interactions. (CJH)

Many midcareer teachers feel trapped in their present positions, knowing they are unlikely to go further. Five ways to help teachers feeling trapped include encouraging them to write, speak to community groups, teach in community adult education programs or local higher education institutions, and attend workshops and conferences. (RW)

School boards are responsible for fostering an environment that promotes teacher professionalism. Successful approaches in the New York City Public Schools included a curriculum guide describing teaching practices reported by teachers; funding of experiments in teaching; and emphasizing reading, writing, and discussion. (MLF)

Interviews with 12 Kansas school executives and questionnaire data received from 49 board presidents and 72 superintendents disclosed that the majority had perceived the occurrence of communications that violated employees' privacy. Training, ethical awareness, and a well-written policy are part of the solution. A model policy is provided to guide…

Overreliance on standardized testing sends a message to students that learning is remembering facts, and that intelligence is a function of how quickly people can do things. In schools around the country, the content and style of teaching are being placed in the service of the tests. (MLF)

Ten suggestions for keeping good teachers are provided by the governor of Tennessee. These cover the career ladder concept, awards, honorary degrees, summer work, secretarial help, professional standards, short term teaching, community leadership, recognition of distinction, and recognizing teachers as opinion leaders. (TE)

Many teachers feel overwhelmed about meeting the needs of students getting ready for tests, and about relations with principals. Four exceptionally high-stress factors that teachers admit carrying into their classrooms are money management, health, relationships, and care giving. A sidebar lists tips for administrators to help alleviate teachers'…

Four suggestions are offered for making teachers' first year on the job more than just a test of endurance: provide adequate supplies, make assignments carefully, do not overload them, and provide a support system. (TE)

Even where collective bargaining is well established, teachers have almost no voice in educational decisionmaking. This is likely to remain a source of teacher frustration until the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers merge into a united organization that effectively represents teachers on a national level. (JG)

Describes rural schools as "educational ghettos" that suffer from itinerant staffs, poor administration, insufficient financing, and community apathy. Maintains that rural students are not being prepared for modern society. (DW)

Argues that the best way to improve teachers' performance and morale is to provide more paid time for essential teaching tasks. Six suggestions are provided: reduce class size; provide clerical help; delegate responsibility; provide student assistants; seek help from parents; provide monthly (nonteaching) work days. (TE)