This research describes a simple way to generate an interstate cost-of-living index from market basket data collected at the standard metropolitan statistical area (SMSA) level. Models were developed for each of four regions to explain differences in the cost of living among more than 180 SMSAs. The regression coefficients were then used as weights and combined with comparable state level data to establish a state cost-of-living index. Finally, the state cost-of-living index values were normalized so that 100 represents the national average for all states weighted by their population. In the concluding section, the 1988–1989 average teacher salary for each state is divided by the interstate cost-of-living index to calculate an adjusted average salary.

Microwave irradiation as a means of fixation was evaluated for the preservation of extracellular matrix antigens such as collagen III, IV, fibronectin and laminin in both lung and liver specimens. Small tissue samples were placed in normal saline or periodate-lysine-paraformaldehyde (PLP) and irradiated for 30 sec to bring them to a temperature of 50 C. The tissue was then processed rapidly in a tissue processor adjusted to a 2 hr cycle and embedded in paraffin. Sections were immunostained. For comparison, routine cryostat sections as well as sections of formalin fixed tissue were used. Microwave irradiation in saline gave excellent morphological detail, comparable to that in formalin fixed tissue. All four antigens evaluated were well preserved without the necessity of prior pepsin digestion. Microwave fixation is promising for preservation of antigenicity and morphological detail, and considerably reduces the time required for processing.

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It is commonly assumed that urban school districts hire teachers late due to issues related to district size and/or restrictions in collectively bargained teacher contracts affecting teacher hiring and transfers between schools. Our investigation of late teacher hiring and collective bargaining is based on a survey of 40 school districts that captured information about teacher transfer and hiring timelines. Findings indicate no differences between collective bargaining districts and non-bargaining districts in late teacher hiring. The findings confirm big differences in late hiring between suburbs and cities even when controlling for collective bargaining status and other contextual variables. Late school district budget action was also associated with late hiring. REVIEW OF THE LITERATUREAlthough out-of-school factors are the major determinants of achievement gaps, recent research using value-added models has focused much attention on the role that teachers play as the most important school resource contributing to student achievement growth. 1 Teacher selection, hiring, training, evaluation, and labor union contracts are of increasing importance, potentially resulting in long-term gains in student outcomes. It will take a multifaceted effort to recruit and keep well-qualified teachers in urban schools, including improving school and neighborhood safety, establishing and maintaining orderly schools, and