Although international school teachers have always been hired on short-term contracts (usually from two to three years in duration), there has been relatively little research examining this aspect of international schooling. Whilst short-term contracts may appear to be a positive feature of international schooling, particularly for younger…

Knowing how policy-induced salary schedule changes affect teacher recruitment and retention will significantly advance our understanding of how resources matter for K-12 student learning. This study sheds light on this issue by estimating how legislative funding changes in Washington state in 2018-19--induced by the McCleary court-ordered…

There is considerable speculation and some empirical evidence that teacher collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) in urban school districts are more restrictive to district administrators than CBAs in other districts. We build on prior work by comparing urban with nonurban CBAs in three states--California, Michigan, and Washington--and, for a set…

We examine more than 1,000 collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) in place across California, Michigan, and Washington. We investigate the prevalence of a set of 43 key provisions between and within these states, providing the first comprehensive comparison of CBA terms using data drawn from economically and demographically different districts,…

We extend the work of Cowen and Fowles by examining contracts in Kentucky school districts with collective bargaining. Using document analysis, we sought to answer the following research question: Do key provisions of teacher contracts change over time? We also examine the most recently negotiated contract in Louisville schools (2013-2018). We…

Some of the most dramatic gains in urban education have come from school districts using what is known as a "portfolio strategy." Under this approach, districts negotiate performance agreements with public schools--traditional, charter, and hybrid models. The arrangement affords school leaders substantial autonomy to handcraft their…

This publication is the result of an 18-month project that brought together teams from six states--Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, and Texas--along with their national organizations in a groundbreaking partnership to identify collective bargaining language and policies that support high-quality professional development.…

The downside to collaborative bargaining is people's infatuation with the process rather than the outcome. Some school board officials claim that successful collaborative bargaining sessions happen only in wealthier districts. The most effective negotiator/facilitators are professionals found within the school district. Extreme positions could…

In light of increasing accountability demands and intense scrutiny of public education, this article highlights five key strategies for negotiating with teacher unions: display willingness to do things differently, work together, meet informally, initiate intense inservice training, and view the negotiated agreement as a flexible, living document.…

A principal's level of involvement in collective bargaining can range from being a member of the negotiating team to merely being the recipient of the signed negotiated contract. This paper considers four possible roles for principals: (1) as a member of the negotiating team, (2) as part of a steering committee working with the negotiating team,…

Outlines the new movement to teach conflict resolution in schools nationwide. It teaches students how to resolve their differences peaceably in an increasingly violent world. Includes a sidebar with a resource listing. (MD)

A carefully developed employment contract between superintendent and board is essential. This article emphasizes the necessity for holding genuine contract negotiations, defining board roles, establishing deadlines, and retaining counsel for both parties. The contract should provide for evaluating the superintendent, resolving conflicts, and…

Discusses the process by which one school district avoided teacher strikes or dissension by using a style of negotiation based on trust and cooperation. Lists the 10 main features of this negotiation style and provides additional advice based on this experience. (HB)

Once collaborative bargaining negotiations are complete, only hard work will protect district gains. Suggestions are given regarding sharing information, resolving conflicts fairly and quickly, dealing with grievances and negotiating issues, using detailed contract language, surrendering power, and recognizing the inherent difficulties of setting…

The resolution of public sector negotiations impasses by a vote of the electorate is presented as a new solution that is the best available in teachers' union disputes with administration. It puts the accountability in the hands of the people who must live with the decision. (MD)