Decisions made by federal and state courts during 1983 concerning the employment, dismissal, and tenuring of the employees of public agencies--in particular, public schools--are reported in this chapter. The chapter first addresses discrimination in employment based on race, sex, age, or physical limitations and notes that the shifting burden of proof in discrimination cases involving alleged violation of federal statutes continues to dominate litigation in the public employment sector. Considered next are cases involving employees' rights to freedom of speech and association, the most frequently pressed substantive constitutional claims in cases involving adverse employment decisions. Other topics covered include the application of procedural due process in cases involving employees; the dismissal and discipline of employees for insubordination, unacceptable conduct, or incompetence; the application of acceptable procedures during reductions in force; disputes over contract provisions; factors affecting tenure; and teacher certification and decertification. (PGD)