Using individual student data from the Sustaining Effects Survey, the authors examine the question "Do teacher unions affect the productivity of public schools?" Results indicate that union districts are seven percent more productive for average students, but less productive for students who are significantly above or below average.…

Using a random sample of 12,000 teachers in over 500 New York State school districts, this paper considers the effect of specific union-negotiated, employment-related job provisions on the job separations of individual teachers. Reductions in force and class-size limitations provisions reduce the probability of teacher resignations or dismissals.…

Randall Eberts explores the role of teachers unions in public education. He focuses particularly on how collective bargaining agreements shape the delivery of educational services, how unions affect both student achievement and the cost of providing quality education, and how they support educational reform efforts. Eberts's synthesis of the…

This study developed a systematic approach for examining effects of policy decisions on student outcomes and assessed collective bargaining's impact on public school effectiveness and cost. Teacher unions' influence was gauged by modelling the educational process and examining responses of teachers, students, and administrators to the education…

Based on the economic theory of constrained maximizing behavior, this paper constructs a model of decision-making in public schools in order to discuss the role of unions and collective bargaining in resource allocation decisions. Research findings from a study of collective bargaining in New York and Michigan school districts indicate that…

This paper examines the effect of collective bargaining on several factors known to be determinants of student achievement in the public schools, particularly its effect on the teacher's allocation of time among various activities. (Author/SSH)

Research findings from a study of collective bargaining in New York and Michigan school districts indicate that collective bargaining does have a significant impact on the allocation of resources in ways that affect student learning. These findings support hypotheses based on the theory that collective bargaining will make a difference in resource…

The ways collective bargaining affects the operation of public schools are identified. Teachers covered by bargaining agreements, compared with teachers not covered, receive higher salaries and teach smaller classes. They also spend slightly less time instructing students but more time preparing for classes. The major difference detected in the…

This book presents an assessment of collective bargaining in education. During the 1970's, while student enrollment declined, organizations representing public school teachers grew. Both the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers more than doubled their membership. Teacher contracts have expanded to include areas…