Due process hearings should not threaten principals who have performed their teacher evaluation duties well and can demonstrate (1) the persistent nature of the teacher's difficulties; (2) repeated warnings; (3) frequent assistance; (4) adequate time and opportunity to improve; (5) close supervision; and (6) the teacher's involvement in a normal…

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)

Tenure has lost public legitimacy. Of 30 states reforming civil-service systems or proposing reforms, Georgia has gone the farthest. Since 1996, new state government hires have been "at will" employees. Erosion of private-sector union strength may aid antitenure political leaders' efforts. A sidebar outlines states' actions. (10…

Although school boards have the authority to order a teacher to undergo a medical examination, the board's concern should be only with the teacher's fitness. Policy guidelines are offered that protect a teacher's right to due process. (MLF)

A review of court decisions about teacher testing programs shows that tests must be equitable and fair, must not be used to discriminate by race or sex, and that adequate notice to teachers is required. (MLF)

Discusses an unsuccessful lawsuit brought by Margaret Boring, an acclaimed high school drama teacher in Buncombe County, North Carolina. She was transferred to a middle school for allegedly violating the school's "controversial materials" policy after students performed an expurgated version of Lee Blessing's "Independence."…

Discusses a 2000 federal trial court decision upholding a Kentucky district's termination of a tenured teacher who presented a curricular segment on industrial hemp as part of a "save-the-trees" unit. The decision underscores teachers' severely limited constitutional rights in the curricular context. (MLH)

A survey of 296 Chicago educators' attitudes toward judicial decisions affecting civil rights found that (1) attitudes among educators vary considerably, and there is at least as much variation among non-Whites as among Whites; and (2) educators are more conservative than the courts on issues affecting students. (KH)

Increasingly, college faculty members accused of sexual harassment say their rights have been breached and are suing their institutions. Some observers see the trend as a backlash to new expectations about appropriate faculty behavior. Others worry that administrative definitions of harassment are too broad, and faculty due process is violated.…

The potential for wrongful discharge of an employee based on false accusations has increased. Suggests guidelines for policies and procedures of district investigations if stigmatizing accusations against an employee could ruin a career even if they are found to be false. Reviews two recent cases. Suggests possible nonjudicial remedies available…

The University of Michigan vs. Scott Ewing case, in which a medical student who had not passed a required examination was dismissed, and the potential for legal pressure brought to writing teachers and writing programs are discussed. (MSE)

The actions of Clark College in terminating, for reasons of financial exigency, two faculty members previously granted indefinite tenure are reviewed according to the AAUP statement of principles and recommended institutional regulations on academic freedom and tenure, and procedural standards, and found to be in violation. (MSE)

Discusses cases involving a nontenured high school coach's firing, state-mandated competency testing, and civil rights of public employees. (KS)

Defines and gives examples of remediation as a process prior to dismissal proceedings, in which a teacher is evaluated by administrators, who identify deficiencies and provide the teacher an opportunity to correct them. Identifies what constitutes remediable conduct, how requirements for remediation are imposed, and how courts review dismissal…

Teachers and other public employees enjoy the same fundamental rights as other citizens. They are entitled to free speech--though the privilege is not limitless--and to due process and equal protection under the law. (Author/DCS)