Date of Award

2001

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Angela Sewall, Ed.D.

Abstract

The Arkansas Teacher Fair Dismissal Act provides the legal procedure for dismissing teachers from public schools in Arkansas. The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of the Teacher Fair Dismissal Act on the employment practices of schools in Arkansas. The study examined the legislative intent of the Act, how the courts have refined the issues of the Act, the level of knowledge about the Act among principals, and perceptions of principals relating to the effect of the Act. The study included both quantitative and qualitative research. Eight interviews were held with legislative and educational leaders. Legislative material and state appellate court cases involving the Teacher Fair Dismissal Act were examined and summarized. A survey was sent to a stratified sample of principals in Arkansas. The survey included demographic, perception and knowledge items. The current Teacher Fair Dismissal Act was developed during legislative sessions beginning in 1979. The courts have played a significant role in determining legislative intent and in clarifying sections of the Act. Principals believed the Teacher Fair Dismissal Act has protected teachers from arbitrary dismissal, but it also has protected incompetent teachers from being dismissed. The study also found that many principals do not feel confident in their knowledge of the Teacher Fair Dismissal Act.

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