THE TEACHER UNION CONTRACT: A CONSTRAINT ON "DOWNSIZING" THE PUBLIC SCHOOL?

SUSAN KAY SMITH


DOI: 10.2190/D8XR-Y4X3-K3MP-746P

Abstract

"Downsizing" the public school is of increasing concern as school districts struggle with declining enrollment and decreasing resources. A study of teacher union contracts from 469 Michigan public school districts revealed how and to what extent teacher union contracts act as a constraint on school districts' abilities to be innovative in adapting to these environmental changes. Contractual constraints were found to be associated with certain school district characteristics.

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