Retaining Effective Teachers Policy
Link to Ineffectiveness: Minnesota teachers may be dismissed for "inefficiency" as it pertains to the state's evaluation system; however, there is no explicit definition that ties inefficiency to classroom ineffectiveness. No teacher can be dismissed for poor performance until given adequate time to correct his or her performance.
Due Process Distinction: Minnesota does not distinguish the due process rights of teachers dismissed for ineffective performance from those facing other charges commonly associated with license revocation, such as a felony and/or morality violations. The process is the same regardless of the grounds for cancellation, which include "inefficiency in teaching; neglect of duty, or persistent violation of school laws, rules, regulations, or directives; conduct unbecoming a teacher which materially impairs the teacher's educational effectiveness; and other good and sufficient grounds rendering the teacher unfit to perform the teacher's duties."
Appeals Process: Minnesota's tenured teachers who are terminated may appeal multiple times. After receiving written notice of dismissal, the teacher has 14
days to file the first appeal. The state does not specify a time frame
for this hearing except that it must be "held upon appropriate and
timely notice to the teacher." An appeal for judicial review is
possible, but the state does not specify a time frame or the procedures
for this appeal.
Specify that classroom ineffectiveness is grounds for dismissal.
Even though Minnesota links "inefficiency in teaching" to the state's annual evaluation process, the state should more explicitly define teacher ineffectiveness so that districts have clear parameters for terminating consistently poor performers.
Ensure that teachers terminated for poor performance have the opportunity to appeal within a reasonable time frame. Nonprobationary teachers who are dismissed for any grounds, including ineffectiveness, are entitled to due process. However, cases that remain open over multiple years drain resources from school districts and disincentivize districts from terminating poor performers. Therefore, Minnesota must ensure that the opportunity to appeal occurs only once and only at the district level. It is in the best interest of both the teacher and the district that a conclusion is reached within a reasonable time frame.
Distinguish between the process and accompanying due process rights for dismissal for classroom ineffectiveness and dismissal for morality violations, felonies or dereliction of duty.
Although nonprobationary teachers should have due process for any termination, it is important to differentiate between loss of employment and issues with far-reaching consequences that could permanently affect a teacher's right to practice. Minnesota should ensure that appeals related to classroom effectiveness are decided only by those with educational expertise.
Minnesota declined to respond to NCTQ's analyses.
9D: Dismissal
States need to be explicit that teacher ineffectiveness is grounds for dismissal.
Most states have laws on their books that address teacher dismissal; however, until recently these laws were much more likely to consider criminal and moral violations than performance. While many states have amended their dismissal policy to be more explicit about classroom ineffectiveness, some still retain euphemistic terms such as "incompetency," "inefficiency," or "incapacity." These terms are ambiguous at best and may be interpreted as concerning dereliction of duty rather than ineffectiveness. Without laws that clearly state that teacher ineffectiveness is grounds for dismissal, districts may feel they lack the legal basis for terminating consistently poor performers.[1]
Due process must be efficient and expedited. Non-probationary teachers who are dismissed for any grounds, including ineffectiveness, are entitled to due process. However, due process rights that allow for multiple levels of appeal are not fair to teachers, districts and especially students. All parties have a right to have disputes settled quickly. Cases that drag on for years drain resources from school districts and create a disincentive for districts to attempt to terminate teachers for poor performance.[2] Teachers are not well served by such processes either, as they are entitled to final resolution quickly.[3]
Decisions about teachers should be made by those with educational expertise.
Multiple levels of appeal almost invariably involve courts or arbitrators who lack educational expertise. It is not in students' best interest to have the evidence of teachers' effectiveness evaluated by those who are not educators. A teacher's opportunity to appeal should occur at the district level and involve only those with educational expertise. This can be done in a manner that is fair to all parties by including retired teachers or other knowledgeable individuals who are not current district employees.