Policy discussions about teacher quality and teacher "shortages" often focus on recruitment and retention of young teachers. However, attention has begun to focus on the incentive effects of teacher retirement benefit systems, particularly given their rising costs and the large unfunded liabilities. In this paper we analyze accrual of…

This paper is concerned with the "common core" of world Englishes. This is defined as the set of features and characteristics which all varieties have in common. It is also concerned with the "periphery", that is, those features which are unique to individual varieties, and are not shared with any other variety. The study is based on comparisons…

Determines whether high school educators were aware of selected legal decisions rendered by the U.S. Supreme Court that affect daily public school operations. Educators studied lacked knowledge in school finance, corporal punishment, and teacher rights. Staff development and prerequisite courses in school law should be a high priority. (12…

Court rulings from Arizona to New York have indicated that pledge of allegiance ceremonies may be included in a public school's curriculum as part of a local or state goal to instill patriotism and citizenship lessons. Students and teachers cannot be forced to participate if participation violates their personal religious or philosophical…

The Interim Committee on Teacher Evaluation and Dismissal was established by (Colorado) Senate Joint Resolution 97-14 to study the state's teacher evaluation and dismissal laws and explore alternatives. The committee was directed to study the relationship between education reform and employment protections for teachers; the effectiveness of adding…

Analyzes the origins of recent federal appellate decisions' divergence from the Supreme Court's identification of teachers' or faculty's academic freedom as "a special concern of the First Amendment." Suggests ways in which academic freedom might better be accorded its rightful importance within the framework of current Supreme Court…

Peeping software takes several forms and can be used on a network or to monitor a certain computer. E-Mail Plus, for example, hides inside a computer and sends exact copies of incoming or outgoing e-mail anywhere. School staff with monitored computers should demand e-mail privacy. (MLH)

In 1995, members of the local teachers' association sued the Colonial School District in eastern Pennsylvania regarding a policy prohibiting political activities at official polling places on school property during nonworking hours. The court decided in the teachers' favor, declaring the policy unconstitutional. Generally, teachers' partisan…

The author sees cause for concern in the number of complaints to the International Labour Organisation alleging violations of teachers' union rights. She examines the right of public employees to organize and strike and government interference, concluding that greater protection for teachers' unions may be needed. (SK)

Supreme Court has delineated three-step test to First Amendment cases brought by public employees, including tenured and nontenured teachers' academic freedom cases. Is teacher's conduct "protected expression" that concerns public issue without unduly rocking boat? If so, is protected expression the motivation behind district's adverse…

These days, most newly hired faculty are appointed on a part-or full-time nontenure- track basis. The AAUP has reported that between 1975 and 2003, full-time tenure-track positions increased by only about 16 percent, while full-time non-tenure-track positions grew by 178 percent, and part-time appointment rose by 189 percent. Yet tenure…

Protecting students from abuse is crucial for principals. However, false allegations can destroy a teacher's career and life. Principals can protect teachers by having a code of conduct, prohibiting false complaints, and providing training in prevention strategies. Teachers should avoid 10 risky behaviors. (Contains 11 references.) (MLH)

It has been over ten years since the "Teacher's Law" took effect on January 1, 1994, and its promulgation and implementation have somewhat helped in protecting teachers' legal rights and interests. Undeniably, however, the "Teacher's Law" is defective in many aspects, such as the absence of teachers' legal identity, its failure…

Within Australia's complex labor relations system, federal law has gradually become dominant over state law. In the 1990s, the Australian High Court broadened workers' entitlements. In a 1995 case, teachers have become pivotal in the new industrial relations system. The federal law becomes more significant for unions and their members in seeking…

Bargaining in Catholic schools is fraught with complex issues. Two cases, "New York State Employment Relations Board v Christ the King Regional High School" and "South Jersey Catholic School Teachers Organization v St. Teresa of the Infant Jesus Elementary School," may help balance teachers' labor rights and theological…