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May 15, 2007
Check your personal drama at the schoolhouse doorThe San Francisco Chronicle carried a story on Monday which stated that a federal appeals court said that “essentially” public school teachers do not have free-speech rights.
BoardBuzz understands all about having a good hook. You know, attracting the reader with powerful and sassy lines that grip? BoardBuzz uses them all the time. So, while we can’t disparage using a hook, we can disagree with the substance of the bait.
First, let’s be clear. The court did not rule that teachers have no free-speech rights. As the article goes on to point out, the court said, “”The Constitution does not entitle teachers to present personal views to captive audiences [did anyone mention these were elementary school youngsters?] against the instruction of elected officials.””
And, second, the court’s opinion reflects that reality of public schools, because, as NSBA General Counsel Francisco Negrón states, teachers are “not at liberty to design a curriculum.” That is the job of the school board, né “elected officials.” Some school boards may want to give greater latitude to their teachers to express personal beliefs. But, because teachers hold positions of authority with the ability to influence and sway young minds, considerations of appropriateness to grade level and age are also relevant.
And, as Negrón points out in an era of high-stakes testing and federal naggi…, er, accountability, making sure teachers stick with the program is more important than ever. For more on NSBA’s position checkout NSBA’s brief here.
But, even this oh-so-sound logic escapes the Chronicle, which appears convinced by the voices of legal analysts claiming the ruling is “a stark reminder that the law provides little protection for schoolteachers who express their beliefs.” It seems to BoardBuzz that the best way for teachers to engage their school administrations, school boards and, indeed, their communities in curricular matters of interest is openly and frankly. They can speak publicly at school board meetings, voicing their professional and personal concerns on academic choices. They can petition their elected officials. They can rally. Now that’s free speech in action. But, preaching to captive students about one’s personal views? That ain’t free speech. It’s cheating students of their right to an education free of personal drama.
Posted May 15, 2007 3:12 PM | Teachers
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Comments(1)
Posted by: Betty on May 16, 2007 7:46 AM
It would make it easier on teachers and students if there were some curriculum standards in place so that kids across the U.S. are getting the same concepts around the same grading period. Students move and find themselves either way behind or bored because they know too much. This is especially true in math. I agree that teachers should keep personal opinions personal.
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