Opinions of Teachers and Parents Concerning Contemporary Issues Affecting Rural Schools.

A random selection of 700 parents and teachers representing rural central Tennessee schools was surveyed in order to make their opinions available to policy makers. Usable responses were returned by 196 parents and 224 teachers. Parents opposed increasing public school funds through a lottery; teachers approved. Both groups believed that prayer and Bible reading should be permitted in school, and both opposed the establishment of charter schools in Tennessee. Parents strongly favored inclusion; teachers very strongly opposed it. Parents opposed paddling of unruly students; teachers strongly favored it. Both groups strongly agreed that school superintendents should be elected by the citizens, and that zero tolerance laws are not too strict. Parents did not think that teachers need more legal protection from harassment by parents and others, while teachers almost unanimously felt that they do need such protection. Both groups favored block scheduling in high schools, and both felt that smaller classes resulted in students learning more. Parents and teachers felt that discipline in school is worse than 10 years ago, but neither group felt that law enforcement officers should be placed in all high schools. Both groups thought that schools are safe. Parents thought achievement tests improved student learning, but teachers did not. Parents felt that they adequately supported decisions by principals and teachers concerning their children, while teachers firmly stated that parents did not adequately support them. Parents reported that varsity athletics are not given too much emphasis, but teachers believed that they are. The use of street language in required reading materials was strongly condemned by both groups. Parents felt that tenure is not needed to protect teachers, but teachers almost unanimously felt they needed such protection. (Contains questionnaire and survey data.) (TD)