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This paper presents implications of the path analysis procedures used to interpret data from a study of urban special education teachers' perceptions of working conditions. The analysis looked at a broad range of factors that could affect teacher plans to leave the field. An overall finding emerging from the analysis was that the same fundamental relationships among variables held in all three study cities. Other major findings included: (1) principal support is critical to job satisfaction and is associated with stronger teacher commitment to special education and a lower likelihood of leaving; (2) perceived opportunities for professional growth are influenced by both central administration and building principals; (3) role conflict and a sense of weakened autonomy are strongly related to stress and to teacher satisfaction with the current assignment; and (4) intent to leave the field of special education is strongly influenced by commitment to the field and special education experience. Figures illustrate the path analyses for each of these four findings. (DB)

1Boy Crusoe

By Allan Eric

Also published as" A Yankee Crusoe" . A 15 year old hard working and studious farm boy finds the lure of adventure on the seas as a merchant seaman more than he can resist. This is his story. " I was born in a little town in the State of Maine, near the close of the Civil War. My boyhood life did not differ materially from that of the average farmer's son in the remote country districts of New England--except, perhaps, that I read more and thought more. Hard work on the rugged soil, two terms each year in the little yellow country schoolhouse, a day's fishing now and then filled the early years of my life full to over-flowing. " What he gets is enough excitement and adventure to overflow his wildest dreams. How he experiences disaster and uses his wits and knowledge to overcome every problem makes for a great read. - Summary by Phil Chenevert