According to Joe A. Stone of the University of Oregon, average students do better in classrooms with unionized teachers, but less able and more able students do not. While this particular assumption lacks empirical clarity, many administrators and school board members feel that it would be much easier to reform public education if teacher unions…

The peer review system for evaluating schools (the "Toledo Plan") is gaining favor among teachers in other school systems. Schools are generally reluctant to dismiss incompetent teachers because of documentation complexities, but incompetent teachers should nevertheless be weeded out. (TE)

Developments in free speech constitutional law have changed the function of public education. Sets forth the facts of "Settle," involving a student's claim to religious expression within a classroom; analyzes the court's decision in light of judicial precedent; and examines implications for the operation of public schools. (76 footnotes)…

Examines the issue of whether public school teachers may be prohibited from wearing religious apparel. Addresses the fundamental distinction between the elementary school setting and the high school setting. Claims the application of garb laws in the context of the public high schools is unconstitutional. (134 footnotes) (MLF)

Examines how closely academic freedom and the First Amendment actually are related. Traces the development of academic freedom as a constitutional right from shortly before World War II to the present. Analyzes influences exerted by intramural speech, institutional or corporate academic freedom, and professional liability. (KEH)

How should schools treat unruly children? Answers to this question are offered, with a focus on children's rights and the abolition of corporal punishment in Britain. The case for children's rights in isolation is not promoted, but rather within the context of the rights and the responsibilities of pupils, teachers, and parents. The discussion…

Academic freedom, at institutions of higher education, is discussed in terms of questions raised about the ability of an institution to dismiss an instructor. In the first case, "Martin v. Parrish," the instructor was dismissed for using profanity in the class. The second case, "Carley v. Arizona Board of Regents," centered on the importance of…

Reviews the 1974 statement on academic freedom of the National Council for the Social Studies and offers a rationale for maintaining academic freedom. Reviews recent censorship threats, the "climate of restriction" which pervades textbooks and teaching, and teachers' reasons for self-censorship. (JDH)

Outlines a discussion between Albert Shanker, president of the American Federation of Teachers, and Wes Apker, executive director of the Association of California School Administrators, that centered on the status of collective bargaining in the schools. (MD)

Offers five personal views of censorship that were developed as a result of teaching English and fighting censorship. (HOD)

Religious rights of teachers are affected in three primary areas of activities: (1) outside the school environment; (2) inside the school environment; and (3) inside the classroom. These issues are examined from the perspective of the constitutional principles involved. (MLF)

Two federal circuit court cases clarify the transactional relationship between the teacher and the educational institution: "McConnell v. Howard University" focuses on the institution's responsibility to provide a proper academic atmosphere; "Maples v. Martin" recognizes the rights of public college professors to communicate professional concerns…

Examines four cases decided in circuit courts regarding teachers' academic freedom. Cited in all these decisions was "Kuhlmeier," a case involving the lawful restriction of student speech. Contends that some of the language in the opinions could stimulate governing boards to try to intrude upon the professional judgment of teachers. (42…

The existing legal position of Australian universities with respect to ownership and exploitation of intellectual property by faculty, students, and outside consultants is described. Issues requiring attention are noted, including resources for exploitation, sharing of proceeds, and copyright considerations; and some possible solutions are…

Reviews the controversy of teaching evolution and creationism in public schools from the early years of the twentieth century until today. Identifies two stages of the legal challenges to the teaching of evolution. Contends that academic freedom issues may provide another avenue to the Supreme Court for those supporting creationism. (CFR)