Comments on: It’s Like Winning the Lottery

By: Doug Noon

Doug Noon — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 05:19:36 +0000

Claus, I can’t say how well other models have worked. First of all, we’d have to answer the question, ‘Toward what end?’ I can only say that there is ZERO discussion about merit pay for testing outcomes among my colleagues. We’ve discussed differential pay for various job-related challenges, like for every kid assigned to a teacher over a certain number, for chronic behavior problems, for taking on extra duties, etc.

I can’t recall anyone in a policy-making position asking teachers what they want, when they set up the system. Extra supports might work, but if they were contingent on test results, I wouldn’t be interested.

By: Claus

Claus — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:52:54 +0000

How have other well-known models fared among teachers? I’m thinking in particular about Denver Pro-Comp and TAP? Pro-Comp hit some bumps in the road last year–but what about TAP?

Another interesting model is the Benwood Initiative in Chattanooga, TN. That initiative mixes a mild form of merit pay with support for teachers. An Education Sector report some time ago found that the surrounding supports were at least as effective–if not more effective–than the incentives. That said, I’m not sure that the incentives were unpopular among teachers: http://www.publicschoolinsights.org/node/2218.

By: Doug Noon

Doug Noon — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 03:19:15 +0000

Gail, the short answer is no; teacher input was not requested. We didn’t want it. We don’t care about it. Nothing has changed on account of it.

By: Gail Desler

Gail Desler — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:27:14 +0000

Doug,

Merit pay has not yet become a reality in my district. I appreciate your starting the conversation and sharing two – very different – systems (?) for distributing the bonus rewards.

I’m wondering if Alaska sought teacher input, via a committee, survey, etc., before implementing the system.

From California,
Gail Desler