Tenure

In lots of state capitals now there's discussion about teacher tenure--does it help or hinder students, is it good or bad for teachers, does it protect bad teachers too much, etc. In other words, it's an interesting, timely subject. But you don't often hear about tenure problems in higher education:

There's a debate going on in higher education over tenure — the traditional practice of granting lifelong job security to professors after seven or so years of work.

Naomi Schaefer Riley, a former Wall Street Journal editor and writer, has written a book on the subject, entitled "The Faculty Lounges and Other Reasons Why You Won't Get the College Education You Paid For." In it, she explores the consequences of tenure, concluding: "Even in areas of study where one might not expect it, tenure is preventing institutions from living up to their highest potential. It is stifling the most innovative professors and preventing students from getting the education they deserve."

Here is more of what Riley had to say.

You might find it interesting.