The authors state their book's main purpose is to assist teachers to become "legally literate." The reviewers describe the book as a wide-ranging, narrative approach to teachers' legal rights. However, those who want an indepth and technical discussion on substantive and procedural issues are advised to look elsewhere. (MLF)

A Connecticut teacher who was fired after being accused of improperly touching a student tells the story of his ordeal. In the months following his termination, his mental health deteriorated as the media made frequent sensational reports. He feels, even if he wins his countersuit, he cannot be fully vindicated. (SM)

When performance problems arise with a tenured teacher, the principal has the following obligations: (1) determine the extent and cause of the problems; (2) devise a remediation strategy; (3) respect the teacher's due process rights; and (4) maintain written documentation. (MLF)

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…

Describes how a language professor who was denied tenure now specializes in helping academics challenge their colleges. (EV)

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…

This booklet presents information on Education International, a group that promotes teacher rights, trade union rights (including teacher unions), fair teaching conditions, and equal education for all people. The booklet includes information on the following: the Education International executive board (name, address, telephone, fax, and e-mail);…

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)

Examines the effects on school administrators' influence of the formal relationships established by collective bargaining and of administrators' leadership styles. A survey conducted in 20 Chicago-area high schools measures as a dependent variable teachers'"professional zone of acceptance" or psychological contract. (MCG)

Notes that increasing support for denominational education in Canada challenges educators to examine the issue before serious conflict reaches the courts. Notes that denominational education is affecting teachers' professionalism and human rights. Explains that because existing court judgments are contradictory, conflict resolution is better…

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)…

Administrators must understand the type of evidence called for in a teacher dismissal hearing and set up procedures for gathering the evidence. Offers guidelines on the following sources of evidence: (1) school records; (2) evaluations; (3) recordings; (4) eyewitness accounts; (5) photographs; (6) policies and rules; and (7) direct testimony. (MLF)

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)

Typical district contracts often impede professionalism and superior school performance. Boston's "Pilot Schools" and Baltimore's contract public schools represent isolated reform efforts. Streamlined master contracts and school-based compacts seem promising. Reform requires enabling changes in legislation, school authority, shared…