This report concerns the nonrenewal of the part-time appointment of Professor Erika López Prater at Hamline University after a student complained of having been offended by Professor López Prater's presentation of two images of the Prophet Muhammad during an online session of her art history class. The report also examines related matters…

Peer Assistance and Review (PAR) is a local labor-management initiative designed to improve teacher quality. In PAR, expert "consulting teachers" mentor, support, and evaluate novice and underperforming veteran teachers. Evaluations under PAR can lead to dismissals. The authors examine the costs and benefits of PAR, both financial and…

The 2009 "State Teacher Policy Yearbook" provided a comprehensive review of states' policies that impact the teaching profession. As a companion to last year's comprehensive state-by-state analysis, the 2010 edition provides each state with an individualized "Blueprint for Change," building off last year's "Yearbook"…

This paper presents two actual problems involving grievance procedures. Both problems involve pending litigation and one of them involves pending arbitration. The first problem occurred in a wealthy Minnesota school district and involved a seniority list. Because of changes in the financial basis for supporting public schools, it became necessary…

Reviews more than 70 cases written by Minnesota appellate courts since 1982. Six major topics are analyzed: (1) tort liability; (2) compulsory education; (3) open meeting laws and school closings; (4) hiring and firing issues; (5) arbitration; and (6) appeal and damages. Unanswered questions are noted. (MLF)

In "Dokmo v. Independent School District No.11, Anoka-Hennepin," a teacher brought a declaratory judgment in district court challenging the school board's refusal to reinstate the teacher. The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that a writ of certiorari is the proper procedure for challenging a school board's decision, thus preserving the…

For five years running, the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) has tracked states' teacher policies, preparing a detailed and thorough compendium of teacher policy in the United States on topics related to teacher preparation, licensure, evaluation, career advancement, tenure, compensation, pensions and dismissal. The 2011 State Teacher…

This report presents the Minnesota edition of the National Council on Teacher Quality's 2008 "State Teacher Policy Yearbook." The 2008 "Yearbook" focuses on how state policies impact the retention of effective new teachers. This policy evaluation is broken down into three areas that encompass 15 goals. Broadly, these goals…

This Minnesota edition of the National Council on Teacher Quality's (NCTQ's) 2009 "State Teacher Policy Yearbook" is the third annual look at state policies impacting the teaching profession. It is hoped that this report will help focus attention on areas where state policymakers can make changes that will have a positive impact on…

This information brief explains the State of Minnesota statutory provisions that affect the employment rights of K-12 public school teachers in Minnesota. It describes the required probationary period, the conditions of continuing employment for those teachers who successfully complete the probationary period, and the procedures that must be…

The employee contract between the Minnesota State Board for Community Colleges and the Minnesota Community College Faculty Asssociation, the exclusive representative for all instructors, counselors, and librarians, is presented, covering the years 1985 through 1987. The 30 articles in the agreement set forth rights and provisions related to…