In this invited response to Moe and Anzia (2014), we describe both the points of convergence and divergence between our prior research (2007a, 2007b) and that of Moe (2005) and Moe and Anzia (2014). We also respond to Moe and Anzia's critique of our published work. Moe and Anzia's study helps to refine the policy discussion around seniority…

In this article, the authors Sarah A. Anzia and Terry M. Moe, offer a retort to William S. Koski and Elieen L. Horng's argument that their study of seniority-based transfer rules is narrow and that its findings only apply under limited circumstances. The Koski-Horng's study, by contrast, takes a broad frame--so broad that, as detailed in…

Collective bargaining agreements, by their nature, impact upon the delivery of educational services to California's students. Collective bargaining agreements deal with hours of employment, evaluation of personnel, transfer of employees, leaves of absence and class size. These contract provisions directly impact a district's ability to provide…

Describes experiences of a Philadelphia teacher who is transferred irregularly from school to school as student enrollments shift. Focuses on difficulties of understanding how the new school operates, obtaining supplies, getting to know a new staff and student body, and teaching students with special needs. Recommends that frequently transferred…

When professors move to accept academic positions, there is an effect on their marriages and families. Once established in the new locations, these same professors pass through predictable stages that set them up for still further moves. Each move raises expectations of the perfect job in the perfect place. Each move also becomes more complicated.…

This article presents an online roundtable discussion participated by E. S. Balabanova, A. O. Grudzinskii, S. M. Guriev, A. P. Zaostrovtsev, Z. V. Kotel'nikova, M. G. Kolosnitsyna, A. E. Krukhmalev, O. V. Lylova, I. B. Nazarova, V. M. Nilov, A. A. Ovsiannikov, L. E. Petrova, N. E. Pokrovskii, E. G. Pugacheva, O. N. Rimskaia. The participants…

The author points out two of the problems involved in merging two schools: determining which buildings to close and melding the two staffs, who may have different philosophies and procedures. She also notes that these mergers present opportunities for reorganizing space, rethinking curriculum, and gaining access to additional resources. (SJL)

One junior high school's discipline policies and guidelines for establishing similar regulations are offered in the first article. The second recommends transfers as a constructive solution to problems associated with an aging teaching staff and suggests procedures for a smooth change of assignment. (MJL)

The positions of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges are presented with respect to professional standards for the hiring, transfer, and professional development of community college faculty. With regard to hiring, the Academic Senate argues that faculty must bear the primary responsibility for hiring new full- and part-time…

Personal views of the school desegregation plan in St. Louis are offered, based on experience working on the plan with the NAACP. The plan is failing for the following reasons: (1) the burden to desegregate is on the victims; (2) lack of white students in the city; and (3) inadequate transfer of teachers. (VM)

A study of Massachusetts teacher contracts and interviews with educators in four districts indicated several factors that can affect the impact of applying seniority agreements when laying off teachers. These factors include the size of the layoff unit, bumping rights, prerequisites for teaching in a second field, and reassignment prerogatives.…

Discussed are the problems presented by declining enrollment; the effects on teachers; the management of curriculum; implications for inservice education; and the need for increased expenditures per student in smaller schools. (KC)

In "Boring v Buncombe County Board of Education," a high school teacher sued a school board over her transfer to a middle school. At issue is a board's power to control the curriculum and a teacher's right to academic freedom, specifically selecting a controversial play for four students in advanced acting class. (MLF)

This article looks at the educational implications of the declining birth rate in England and Wales. It outlines the major issues which arise (school reorganizations, pupil/teacher ratios, teacher redeployment, and grade organization), considers the factors affecting these issues, and examines the sources of decision-making power on each. (SJL)

The use of seniority in current school layoff and transfer practices and the impact of seniority provisions on school operations are examined in this paper. The data for the study came from two sources: interviews with teachers, principals, union leaders, and district administrators in four school districts (drawn from a national sample) facing…