Starting from a survey of research literature and court cases, researchers conducted a study of South Carolina school districts' policies and procedures concerning reductions in force (RIFs). The literature review indicated some of the conditions necessitating RIFs (such as state financial problems), methods of avoiding RIFs, and criteria for RIF implementation, including seniority, tenure, due process, and desegregation requirements. In the study, 72 of the state's 92 districts responded to a survey asking for copies of RIF policies. Data analysis covered the types of RIF policies, conditions specified as necessitating RIFs, teacher characteristics used as RIF criteria, and methods of applying RIFs. Among the findings were that most districts have RIF policies; that the major conditions necessitating RIFs are financial exigency, declining enrollment, and program changes or elimination; that RIF criteria used most frequently include years in the district, degrees, certification, and evaluations; and that RIF implementation policies usually include recall rights and due process. Thirteen recommendations, with an appendix containing copies of cover letters and the survey questionnaire, are attached. (RW)