An evaluation of school board hearing procedures and the trial de novo appeal in career teacher employment termination proceedings in Oklahoma public schools.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to conduct an evaluation of school board hearing procedures and the trial de novo appeal in career teacher dismissals in Oklahoma. To determine this, the study evaluated the perceptions of fairness of procedures for conducting career teacher dismissal hearings among Oklahoma career teachers, principals, superintendents, school board members, and attorneys who represent educational interests. Surveys were sent to those school personnel in 128 public school districts and 80 attorneys which resulted in a return of 384. The Kruskal-Walls one-way ANOVA was used to measure independent variables and Likert scale preference scores. A bivariate correlational coefficient score statistical calculation determined if there was any relationship between experience and numbers of plans of improvement. Three personal interviews were used in the study. The qualitative data was coded and analyzed. Results show a significant difference in perceptions of fairness for dismissal procedures among the respondents. Respondents also reported a significant difference in perceptions of fairness for dismissal hearing settings and purposes. There was no significant difference among the groups' perceptions of fairness and years of experience or a negotiated labor agreement in their districts. No significance difference was found in the groups' perceptions of fairness and involvement in formal teacher terminations, trials de novo, or plans of improvement.