Robert Holland and Don Soifer, Lexington Institute
April 2004
Rewarding teachers with better pay based on performance rather than seniority is often derided as "utopian." But a teacher pay scheme in Chattanooga, Tennessee - one of six reform programs profiled in this Lexington Institute study - brings quality teachers to underperforming inner city schools by doing just that. Under the leadership of Mayor Bob Corker, a coalition of community groups and businesses banded together to provide bonuses for high performing teachers if they 1) relocate to low-performing schools and 2) are able to significantly improve the academic gains made by students in those schools. The study's authors also summarize other grassroots reforms such as Florida's tax credit scholarship program, which has enhanced school choice and saved the state millions of dollars, and Colorado's school report cards, which offer accessible and comprehensive information for parents concerning school performance. All in all, a nice summary of promising practices worth repeating elsewhere. Click here to view the report.
