As I was perusing through the blogosphere, I happened across a blog that mentioned an educational reform that I just had to investigate further. This blog spoke to a proposed contract in the
I did some more research, and here are a couple more good articles on the topic.
Can Michelle Rhee Save DC Schools?
Rhee's 'Plan B' Targets Teacher Quality
Chancellor Rhee Tackles Teacher Seniority
I can only imagine the division that is taking place between the teachers. I would think that the majority of older teachers would opt for the “red” tier, while more of the younger teachers would support the “green” tier. I wonder if many of the teachers that are Digital Natives would lean towards the “green” tier. It would be interesting to see the correlation.
But how would you support and quantify the pay raises in the “green” tier. The only real option would be to use standardized testing. When we talked about assessment,
I think this issue raises big questions about the way we look at the educational system. Do we want it to be a more corporate atmosphere, with bonuses based purely on student performance? Personally, I believe the strength of the educational system is that it is not at cut throat as the corporate world. I don’t know what would happen if teacher were pitched against each other for bonuses. I feel that this would take the focus away from students.
Now, Rhee is proposing to give cash incentives to students for such things as handing in homework and good grades. Who knows, this could be a great answer, especially in an urban environment. But overall, aren’t we supposed to be teaching, not because of the money, but because we love to teach. And aren’t we, as teachers, supposed to instill intrinsic motivation in our students. To me, these reforms go against both.
2 comments:
I don't know, I enjoyed hearing what she plans to do in the school system. I would like to see it implemented; however, I'd like them to teach the students what they should do w/ their money. They should have to deposit it into an account so that it can multiply. They shouldn't be allowed to have straight up cash that they can just spend on anything they want. This was a fascinating article. I have a friend who teaches there...I will ask her how it's going.
You ask "how would you support and quantify the pay raises in the
“green” tier. The only real option would be to use
standardized testing."
You also write "Do we want it to be a more corporate atmosphere, with
bonuses based purely on student performance?" You argue that this would
result in a more "cut throat" work environment taking the focus away
from students.
Why can't the pay raises be based on teacher performance?
True, student performance on standardized testing can be a component of
teacher evaluations but components such as instructional practices,
integration of technology, collegiality, professional development can
contribute to a bonus.
For three years I worked at a charter school that offered a 10% bonus
to teachers. Student performance on standardized did not
contribute to the bonus. Was this right? Should
student performance on standardized testing have been a part of the
evaluations for bonuses? - I think so.
Next month, voters in Oregon have Measure 60 to consider. It
would link teachers’ jobs and raises to “classroom
performance” - the problem is, the measure does not clearly
define "classroom performance." Critics ask does it mean
"high student test scores" or "student growth rates"?
Supporters claim the legislation is meant to be vague in order to allow
"flexibility and the right kind of implementation."
Read more on this issue at:
Debating the merits of merit pay -- http://www.gazettetimes.com/articles/2008/10/12/news/community/1aaa02_measure60.txt
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