I have heard students defend their inappropriate behavior in school by claiming that it is protected by “freedom of speech” or “freedom of expression.” When asked to elaborate, most students are unable to do so clearly and accurately.
In the Tinker v. Des Moines case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that students have rights to freedom of speech and expression in public schools. Schools cannot prohibit a student from expressing an opinion merely “to avoid the discomfort and unpleasantness that always accompany an unpopular viewpoint.”
Does this mean that students can say whatever they want whenever they want?
Continue reading Free speech at school »
The following is a research paper that I wrote for a graduate class on school law. Only the formatting has been changed for posting here, the content has not been edited. A PDF version is available with the original formatting.
Continue reading Should school staff carry weapons? »
The following is a research paper that I wrote for a graduate class on using data to improve instruction.
Appendix A has been removed because the creators of Moodle provide a live demonstration that is far better than the static screenshots from the original paper. (The paper still makes reference to Appendix A; however, the live demo is an appropriate substitute.)
Appendix B has been removed because it was relevant only to the course, rather than to the topic of web based assessment.
An edited PDF version is available with the original formatting. A presentation is also available that briefly mentions some of the highlights of the paper.
Continue reading Web based assessment »
This post refers solely to tenure of public school teachers in New Jersey. The facts presented may not apply to other positions or in other states.
How does a teacher acquire tenure?
Tenure is established by state law, not by contract. The New Jersey Legislature has the power to modify or eliminate tenure. In the past, the Legislature has eliminated tenure for school district superintendents.
N.J.S.A. 18A:28 specifies the requirements that a teacher must meet to acquire tenure. Most teachers acquire tenure by serving in a position for 3 consecutive academic years and being rehired for a 4th year.
Continue reading Teacher tenure in New Jersey »
The West Windsor Plainsboro Regional School District purchased a new student information system that is being used extensively during the 2008-2009 school year. Teachers at the district’s high schools are required to enter marking period grades into the system. Many teachers also utilize the system’s electronic gradebook to record scores for individual assignments.
The district enabled a feature that, by default, allows middle school and high school students to view each of their scores through a website. Parents can view the same information. By default, scores are available immediately after they have been entered.
Continue reading Student and parent access to grades »
