Based on interviews with teacher's union representatives, teachers, school board officials, and school administrators, this article considers what tenure actually is, how it developed, how much job security it provides, key points in the tenure debate, the role of unions and contract tenure, and the need for tenure laws today. (Author/SJL)

Decision makers in education frequently identify tenure laws as a barrier to improving student achievement. Many principals believe statutes and case law adequately protect employees, and join others calling for modifications in tenure policies. The inadequate number of qualified applicants for principal positions is a national problem that…