Home |  E-newsletters |  RSS |  Become a Member |  Feedback

What Works in Public Education

The Edutopia Poll

by Sara Bernard

Many teachers deride the idea of merit pay, particularly if it is tied to student performance. But in Alaska’s Chugach District, annual bonuses are handled differently: All teachers receive an identical performance bonus based on the average of their evaluations (detailed, holistic rubrics that do not include student test scores). Can merit pay be justified? Tell us what you think.

What would justify a merit-based pay system?

If it didn’t base teacher merit on student test scores.

If it could reward all teachers equally, rather than encourage them to compete for limited bonuses.

I believe it is already justified; merit pay based on student performance can be a good incentive for teachers.

I don’t believe any kind of merit-pay system is justified.

None of the above.