A View from the Classroom: California Teachers' Opinions on Working Conditions and School Reform Proposals. Policy Paper No. PP86-3-1.

Findings are presented of the responses of over 800 teachers to a questionnaire seeking opinions on (1) working conditions; (2) support and assistance from peers, administrators, and parents; (3) participation in decision making; and (4) reform proposals. Responses to the survey indicated that the majority of teachers (1) support many reform proposals, including professional career ladders and preservice examinations; (2) feel they do not have sufficient decision-making authority; (3) say they could improve their teaching by working more closely with their colleagues; (4) report they must often do without needed books, materials, and supplies; and (5) display a remarkable commonality about what teaching ought to be. Findings are displayed in tables that offer comparisons between the opinions of rural, urban, and suburban teachers, and experienced and beginning teachers. A copy of the survey quesionnaire is appended. (JD)