The author briefly presents and discusses five tables showing national trends in teacher salaries over the 10 years from 1969-80 and projections for the next 10 years. Indicates that teachers' average annual salaries are now growing more slowly than the inflation rate.

Discussed are evolving concepts of accountability in the United States. The majority of states have taken the position that accountability should be mandatory, leaving the specifics to the discretion of local states. Problems in accountability are also examined. (RM)

Examines population shifts in cities and adjacent suburban areas by region--the Northeast and Midwest and the South and West--and discusses the implications of these shifts for educators. (FL)

Details the most important curriculum movements--which can be generally classified under the two headings of subject-centered curriculum and student-centered curriculum--their adherents, and their rationales. (Author/WD)

Discusses the future of schools in the United States in the face of declining enrollments. Considers the impact of this trend on such things as class size, building modernization and construction, and energy usage. (FL)

The effectiveness of a teacher depends on students' social, economic, cognitive, psychological characteristics; grade level; and subject area. Failure to recognize these variables can distort research findings and recommended methods for good teaching. (Author/MD)

Presents a brief overview of the nine articles which make up this special issue on teacher effectiveness. Asserts that few activities are as crucial in schooling as teaching, and research toward its understanding must continue. (KH)

Research on teacher effectiveness falls into two groups: research on teacher styles and research on teacher competencies. Both neglect the humanistic aspects of teaching. Offers a research overview to assess how well a school system is fulfilling its central mission of successful teaching and learning. (nine references) (MLF)

Examines four varieties of curriculum irrelevance, including curricula that are fixed, antiseptic, trivial, and right answer-oriented. Suggests that educators need to stress curricular context and concern themselves more with process and less with products. Includes 10 references. (MLH)

To help educators design a balanced curriculum giving students opportunities to master knowledge and use it appropriately, this article explains curriculum design components and framework and provides advice concerning selecting the design, exploring sources, working with the committee, and developing guiding statements. Includes eight references.…

Reports the results of a nationwide survey of the organization of school systems with 50,000 or more students. The study examined whether each system was centralized or decentralized and, if decentralized, the structure of the decentralization, the reasons the district is decentralized, and the extent of community participation. (IRT)

All major textbook companies conform to preferences of larger educational markets (California, Illinois, New York, Texas, and Florida) and exercise self-censorship to appease dissenting factions and avoid alienating pressure groups. Recent censorship controversies have involved sanctity of family, criticism of free enterprise system,…

Argues that teaching is both art and science, but that it is possible to evaluate effectiveness empirically. Discusses common research problems, including the large number of variables that can affect successful teaching; the validity of measurement instruments; and the relevance of research to actual classroom practices. (KH)

Drawing upon data from teacher surveys, explores reasons that individuals decide to become teachers. Reviews the advantages and disadvantages of the profession and discusses job satisfaction, coping strategies, stress, and burnout among teachers. (GC)

Professional weaknesses such as failure to gain school board support or respect can cause superintendents to lose their jobs. By combining strong leadership with effective management, a superintendent can shape organizational structures and processes to produce specific results while inspiring and motivating people toward a definite vision. (MLH)