When Cameron Elementary School Principal David Kovach heard that President Barack Obama advocated expanding performance-based pay for teachers Tuesday, he knew teachers would have to buy into the proposal and work together for the idea to succeed.Via CapFax morning shorts!
The West Humboldt Park school is one of 20 in Chicago taking part in a federally funded trial program that pays teachers bonuses based on academic gains by students. This year, if Cameron students succeed, Kovach's 88 staff could get an average of $4,000 on top of their salaries.
The Chicago Public Schools' program, the only one in Illinois, required approval by the Chicago Teachers Union and the majority of teachers at each school. U.S. education officials promised the district $27 million over five years.
Along with the extra cash, the plan calls for teachers to mentor colleagues, Kovach said. In its first year, Cameron's test scores went up about 5 percent.
"It's definitely a shakeup," Kovach said. "It's one thing to offer the incentives for teachers who are performing at a higher level ... but if you're not going to do anything on the other side of it to hone their craft, it's a moot point."
Dispatches from Chicago's south side.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Chicago school is ready for teacher performance pay
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