Performance Based Compensation Basics

Both sides of the political aisle have now embraced "Performance Based Compensation" for educators.  The concept is simple.  If your performance meets certain levels, then educators receive additional financial incentives.  The biggest question is, "Will additional compensation increase student achievement?"  Most research and the general consensus is that compensation must be coupled with tools for improvement to increase student performance.  Money may be seen as a good motivator, but you must also know what to do to increase student performance. 

Therefore, what are the initial considerations in establishing a Performance Based Compensation System (PBCS)?  We address these elements in three questions. 

1.  What do we incentivize?  This question can be answered in a couple of ways.  Do we look at the actions of teachers?  Do we look at student outcomes? Or, do we look at a combination of both?  How will we treat a teacher who is doing everything we ask, but does not achieve high student outcomes?  How will we treat a teacher who may have great student outcomes, but we may not see the actions we want that produced those results? 

2.  Who do we incentivize?  Will we look at school level results, grade or subject level results, or individual results?  Do we incentivize groups to increase collaboration and sharing?  Are we fostering mentoring and shared best practices, or are we creating a system that encourages, "Let me shut the door, and leave me alone!"

3. Based on what?  What processes or data will we use to determine incentives?  Is it valid and reliable?  How will we treat subjects and areas that may not be part of statewide assessments or NCLB requirements? 

Once you determine the answers to these foundational questions, the details begin to easily fall into place.  How do you do it?  Assemble stakeholders.  Facilitate open and honest discussion.  Keep the interest of students at the forefront.  Be transparent.

Educators should be rewarded for excellence.  Let's give the motivation and tools to achieve it.  Enjoy.