The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) conference called for more time to study merit pay. AFT's interim position that merit pay is not the best way to ensure teacher quality was introduced as part of the education reform package. Nine criteria were outlined for state federations negotiating merit plans. (MD)

School boards should negotiate prior district approval of academic credits that are tied to teachers' salaries. The credits must support the teacher's specific job assignment, be of passing grade, be confirmed by a specific date, and be received after a bachelor's degree. (MLF)

Weak teachers are too often transferred; tenure is bargained rather than earned; and good teachers go unrewarded. Human-resources practices used by businesses and colleges (peer review, merit pay, a revamped work year, and marketplace pay for teachers in shortage areas) need to be revisited. (MLH)

This report evaluates existing merit pay plans and shows the components of successful plans and the reasons some plans fail. Critical determinants of successful plans are the evaluation system and equal treatment for all deserving teachers. (MD)

A national survey of teachers shows that nearly two-thirds of United States teachers endorse merit pay concept. The survey centered on three areas: pegging salary increases to classroom effectiveness, who should evaluate salary increases, and how to determine raises. (MD)

Houston (TX) schools have developed an innovative attitude toward the teacher shortage; a magnet high school program encourages and prepares students for careers in education. (MD)

Discusses the effects of a recent Supreme Court interpretation of the sex discrimination law. Reports the reactions of diverse organizations to the law and to related litigation. For related articles, see pages 22 and 23 in the same issue. (WD)

A superintendent with 20-plus years' teaching experience in the district discusses with a "both sides of the fence" perspective issues of standards, teacher pay, training and compensation for board members, teacher/administrator relationship, and the administrator role. (MLF)

Presents six charts dealing with the following information: 1978 and 1985 profiles of school board members; four key areas of conflict between school boards and superintendents; comparative salaries of school administrators; increases in administrator salaries; public opinion of school administrators; and increases in school construction…