Discusses moves towards merger of the NEA and AFT. (JF)

Fact finders should be called on the scene only when an impasse results in a disagreement over facts. Nevertheless, mediators typically recommend fact-finding regardless of the nature of the impasse. Such a move typically exacerbates the controversy instead of settling it. (Author/IRT)

The author provides eight pointers on how the smallness of a community can be used to work for administrators and board members. (IRT)

Discusses how the board bargaining team can use the caucus effectively both offensively and defensively. (IRT)

Boards of education can work at preventing administrators from wanting to bargain collectively by reinforcing the importance, necessity, and desirability of competent school management. (Author/IRT)

A consultant can provide experience, divert animosities that might arise during bargaining away from local administrators, and be a source of information that the board can have confidence in. (Author/IRT)

Suggests steps that can be taken if a board member or anyone close to the board has ties with the teacher union and may supply the union with information about the board's position at bargaining time. (IRT)

Most of the differences between private and public sector bargaining are advantages for the public sector. (Author/IRT)

Describes some of the "latest family squabbles" amongst the leaders and members of the national teachers' unions. (Author/WM)

Provides a brief account of an instance in which a parent participated as a full member of the school district negotiation team. (IRT)