The book examines how arbitrators have ruled in actual cases so that school administrators can better determine what is expected of them and their staff, the problems that arise from vaguely worded contracts, and how to anticipate possible outcomes and avoid potential disputes. Issues covered include prearbitration issues, employee discipline, evaluation of teacher performance, the termination of nontenured teachers, seniority, discrimination issues in school employment, work conditions, and employee benefits. Also detailed are the grievance procedure from its informal to formal phase, the 11 principles of contract interpretation that guide arbitrators, the impact of past practice on arbitration rulings, 7 criteria for assessing 'just cause', 6 factors for determining if discipline is excessive, and the effects of State and Federal laws on arbitration. Chapter summaries, footnotes, and a subject index are provided. (Publisher summary modified)