To determine the effects of interruptions on teachers' and pupils' morale and work, a descriptive correlational study was conducted using a survey of 65 teachers and 62 pupils in 8 urban elementary schools. The survey, conducted from November 1980 through June 1981, consisted of open-ended and closed-ended items and was administered to teachers individually and to pupils in small groups. Three types of interruptions were noted: out-of-class instruction (pullout programs), visitors, and the school intercom system. From six questions asked teachers and pupils, it was concluded that none of the distractions influenced morale. However, pupils noted that their ability to work was hampered by all three types of distractions, and both teachers and pupils found that repeated interruptions adversely affected morale and work. Moreover, both teachers and pupils estimated that about one-half hour of class time per day was devoted to trying to eliminate distractions. Interruptions by visitors were the most distracting to teachers and pupils; of the two remaining types of interruptions, pullout programs had more effect on teacher morale, and the intercom system more commonly distracted students. (JW)