Teacher incentives in Washington, DC

We are pleased to share with you two articles that were recently published in The Washington Post about a major merit pay reform effort in Washington, DC. The first article discusses the proposal put forth by D.C. Schools Chancellor, Michelle Rhee to tie raises in teachers’ salaries to improvements in student performance.  The initiative would give teachers significant bonuses if they can raise student achievement; in exchange, it asks them to give up tenure and benefits based on seniority. The plan is currently under negotiation between the unions and the government, but if negotiations are successful, DC could become a model of teacher management for the rest of the US. The second article highlights the political factors that seem to have allowed this proposal to move forward. Among these factors are the high amount of the pay increases, the political and financial support that the chancellor has from the mayor of DC and private foundations, and the fact that this proposal is voluntary for current teachers. 

Washington Post | A Lesson From D.C. Schools

Washington Post | Pay-Hike Plan for Teachers In D.C. Entails Probation