It is often said that what is good for the goose is good for the gander. That is why 23 states have initiated merit pay programs that reward teachers who improve student performance on state tests. Proponents of bonuses argue that if corporations provide bonus pay for high-performing employees, schools should as well.
The federal government just distributed $42 million of the $94 million set aside for a Teacher Incentive Fund aimed at teachers who raise test scores of students in at-risk school districts. Texas has allocated $300 million for a bonus program and Florida $150 million. The superintendent of the Houston School District uses the bonus program to attract high-performing teachers. He says, “Anytime I can put a high-performing teacher in front of the classroom, that is good for kids.” Since the program began, standardized test scores have gone up 10 points in Houston.
I teach a special ed. class. My students have a variety of disabilities including cerebral palsy, mental retardation, autism, and emotional handicaps. Many teachers in my school have told me they admire what I do, and that they would never try to teach kids like mine. I will never be eligible for merit pay. The teachers of our gifted students would get that. Are teachers of gifted students more talented then teachers of disabled students? I truly don't believe that. Is the state trying to drive new teachers away from special education? It will, if the bonuses are given to teachers of high performing kids.