This case is a great example of the unintended consequences of state policy.  It shows how merit pay affects teachers, both personally and professionally.  Does merit pay work?  Is it fair?  How do you determine who gets it and how do you measure its effectiveness?

Discussion Questions

1. What defines a good teacher? Is it high test scores? Is it student growth? Should there be one overriding measure of teacher quality? Should teachers receive consideration for attaining National Board Certification?
2. If a teacher’s students perform well on one measure but poorly on another, should the higher measure be used for evaluation? If a higher scoring measure could have been used, how would that impact teacher performance and teacher morale?
3. Can standardized tests be used for every evaluative situation encountered in schools? Is it desirable to do so? Should each school/county have its own “end of course” examinations?
4. How else (other than pay incentives) can we motivate less successful teachers?

By
John T. Kreinbihl

TNLI Affiliate:
Gainesville (FL)

If you would like to learn more about Teachers Network Leadership Institute, please e-mail Kimberly Johnson for more information.