Studies that conclude that class size makes no difference are based almost entirely on student achievement of cognitive scores, whereas those studies that find class size significant include other important factors such as creativity, decline of learning and behavior problems, better class control, problem-solving and retention, and the amount of…

Reports on a study of social-psychological effects of the declining academic labor market on 515 adjunct faculty members teaching in two-year community colleges in Illinois and Wisconsin. Concludes that the poorer one's perception of opportunity in the full-time market, the less satisfied one will be with the adjunct role and the less time one…

Although the single-grade classroom has emerged as the most prevalent administrative arrangement, the existence of the split grade phenomenon continues to be a part of educational tradition in both rural and urban schools, predominantly at the elementary levels. Teachers are then forced to compromise curriculum to teach all levels simultaneously.…

Discusses methods of encouraging more people to pursue the teaching profession and considers more effective selection procedures designed to eliminate unacceptable candidates. Examines methods used to improve teacher training such as making use of practicing teachers in "partnership" programs. Concludes that teacher morale and satisfaction must be…

The description of the educational collaborative program between Yale and the town of New Haven includes the following: (1) historical perspective; (2) reasons for Yales' community involvement; (3) pressures to redefine and expand project; (4) aims, activities, schedules, and terminology; and (5) structure and distribution of responsibility. (PS)

This study examined the relationship between teacher involvement in decision making and loyalty to the principal in 10 elementary and 5 secondary schools in New Jersey. Researchers found that teachers were most loyal to principals who gave them decision-making power in areas closely related to instruction. (TE)

The successful Career Redirection Program of Regis College is described and placed in the context of a multiple-option faculty development program, with its accompanying theoretical rationale. (Author/MLW)

Identifies the professional and environmental characteristics that are indicative of high teacher morale. (HOD)

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)

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)

To improve instruction, teachers need to be brought together to work on common instructional concerns in a professional environment. To create it, supervisors need to provide more opportunities for teachers to make choices, discuss their work, observe each other, and help beginning teachers ease into their responsibilities. (Author/DCS)

Analysis of a school district where merit pay has existed for 30 years and a more general review of other merit pay proposals led to the disclosure of eight critical issues to be considered before the actual implementation of merit pay programs. (MLF)

Reporting on results from a survey of school improvement programs, the author points out that the majority of such programs concentrate on curriculum and instruction. While programs differ, their goals are often similar, and many do not require additional funding. (MD)

A study examined the negative impacts of forensics upon primary relationships and family life. The study was designed to assess the professional and personal concerns of active forensics coaches. Subjects were seven males and four females, nine of whom were married, five of whom have children, and only one of whom reported having a spouse or…

The author, a private educational consultant in Michigan, traces the influence of early experiences, positive and negative role models, and various jobs on his career development. As a counselor and teacher trainer, he was particularly concerned with teacher burnout and stress. (PP)