I thought DCHAS members might be interested in the following content 
published on the ACS Web Editions Platform:

Negligence Liability of K-12 Chemistry Teachers: The Need for Legal 
Balance and Responsible Action Perry A. Zirkel and Marianne B. Barnes J. 
Chem. Educ., Article ASAP
DOI: 10.1021/ed100869z
Publication Date (Web): May 20, 2011
Copyright =A9 2011, American Chemical Society 
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ed100869z

Abstract:
The science education community promotes inquiry teaching and learning 
enhanced by the school laboratory experience, and this emphasis is 
reflected in state and national science education standards. However, 
science teachers, especially those in chemistry settings, have been 
known to avoid laboratory activities because of fear of legal liability 
that may occur in the event of a laboratory-related mishap. Incorrect or 
incomplete information relayed by sources within and outside the school 
intensifies teacher misapprehension. This article summarizes 
misinformation found in the literature and presents the contrasting, 
current, officially published pertinent case law. The discussion shows 
that the number of published court decisions specific to alleged 
district or teacher liability for negligence in the context of science 
teaching in public schools and their judicial outcomes are far different 
from the common conception. Implications and suggestions for science 
educators=92 action with respect to laboratory safety instruction are 
included.

Previous post   |  Top of Page   |   Next post