Teacher Probed for Role In Anti-Testing Activity

By David J. Hoff

A San Jose, Calif., teacher has been placed on administrative leave while her district investigates her role in anti-testing activities, an example of the fine line teachers and school administrators who oppose assessment policies must walk in performing their official duties.

Stacey Miller was put on leave with pay last month from J.W. Fair Junior High School in the heart of Silicon Valley while the district conducts its probe into allegations that she was encouraging her students to opt out of the state's testing program.

The decision marks one of the first disciplinary actions against a school employee for protesting state testing policies and pits teachers' free-speech rights against state laws...