Dan Pink- why simply implementing merit pay for teachers isn't the answer

Thanks to Vicki Davis, I just came across this article written a few months ago by Dan Pink.

He writes succinctly about an issue I have been struggling with since I joined the field of education seven years ago. Is merit pay the answer? Pink says no. And cites 8 reasons why. Here is number 4, simple and clear. Couldn't agree more!

4. There’s a simpler solution. My own solution for the teacher pay issue, which I’ve voiced many times both in writing and in speeches, is to strike a bargain: Raise the base pay of teachers – and make it easier to get rid of underperforming teachers. Not only is this approach more consistent with the evidence, it’s easier to implement and doesn’t require a new bureaucracy to administer. (To her credit, Michelle Rhee launched some efforts to move in this direction.)

So, how do we make that happen?

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Teaching as Leadership: Demystifying the “Natural Born” Teacher - ASCD EDge

In an ASCD blog post, Steven Farr articulates the differences between truly exceptional teachers and less effective ones. Teaching as Leadership: Demystifying the “Natural Born” Teacher. The blog states that Farr's research shows that effective teachers set and maintain high expectations for their students; they plan purposefully and tirelessly. But perhaps most importantly, they habitually reevaluate their approach, which means that their methodology is always fluctuating and in the process “of becoming.". Farr is the author of Teaching for Leadership.

so the net....
Expect quality work and effort
Plan, plan, plan
Reflect


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Teacher tries to remain positive amid repeated layoffs - ASCD SmartBrief

Teacher tries to remain positive amid repeated layoffs - Related Stories - ASCD SmartBrief

It is very cool to be cited at a national level. Now that I have expressed my frustrations and continued the convertion, the big question is ..how do we work for change?

My article was also published on School Leadership 2.0 , very cool!

Same verse, same song

California's fourth year of teacher layoffs spurs concern – USATODAY.com. Sad to say my story is not unique. Teachers all over the state are in the midst of RIFing season. Delaying notices until after the school year would be refreshing, but then leaves those of us who "really" lose our job scrambling in the summer. And just throwing more money at education is not the answer. Yes, we need more funding to education but we also need to be smarter in how we spend it.

Social Kids

Raising kids to be socially conscious leaders is the mission of my friend Justin's company, Social Kids.
It is an interesting concept, sort of Khan Academy meets Facebook meets Kumon.




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Won't get fooled again...

I keep thinking I'll be strong and not feel sad....I'm happy my voice is heard, but sad it is about this.

Beginning teachers get trapped in a cycle of heartbreak


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Location:Santa Clara,United States

WALTERS: California public school financing a mess - State Columnist: Dan Walters - Modbee.com

WALTERS: California public school financing a mess - State Columnist: Dan Walters - Modbee.com

File this under Duh!

It is a mess and it is studentand teachers and our families that suffer.