Teacher performance pay oversimplifies a complex problem

 
 
by Christopher Paslay
 
“Too many supporters of my party have resisted the idea of rewarding excellence in teaching with extra pay, even though we know it can make a difference in the classroom.”
 
These were the words of Barack Obama in his first education policy speech last month.  He believes that performance pay is the spark needed to [...]

10 Facts About Obama’s New Education Secretary

The word is out: President-elect Barack Obama has chosen Chicago schools chief Arne Duncan as his Secretary of Education.  But who is this man? 
 
Here are 10 Facts About Arne Duncan:
 
1.  He’s been CEO of Chicago’s public schools since 2001.
 
2.  He was appointed deputy chief of Chicago schools by Paul Vallas in 1998.
 
3.  He [...]

Can Performance Pay for Teachers Work in Philadelphia?

by Christopher Paslay
 
It’s no secret that Philadelphia School District officials are looking to implement performance-based teacher pay in an effort to increase student achievement.  Although statistics show that performance pay is used in 10 percent of America’s school districts and affects up to 20 percent of K-12 teachers and students, awarding pay bonuses to teachers [...]