Community Training and Assistance Center

June 2010

Dear Friends:
A critical challenge in performance-based compensation is how to bring science to the art of teaching.

An evidence-based strategy to reward teachers for their contributions to student achievement is to include a component based on student learning objectives.
Providing additional compensation based on annual objectives that teachers set and reach is not the only method to reward and recognize the classroom teacher, but it may be the only one currently that connects directly to student learning, puts the frontline educator in the driver's seat, and overcomes many of the negative associations of implementing performance pay in education. The process enables teachers and principals to become more systematic and strategic in their instructional decisions, and to improve the quality of the outcome.

The concept of linking extra compensation to student learning objectives emerged in Denver. CTAC conducted the four-year comprehensive study and provided technical assistance to Denver on the use of objectives in compensation reform. Among the very promising findings from this study of Denver was the evidence that students, whose teachers had crafted high quality student learning objectives, showed more than a year's worth of gain on the Colorado Student Assessment Program and the Iowa Test of Basic Skills during each year under study and at all three school levels.

The use of student learning objectives is being further elevated to a high level of science and practice in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Teachers are developing student learning objectives as the anchor of the TIF-supported project, Leadership for Educators Advanced Performance. During the first phase of implementation, we found another strong correlation between the targeted objective and student achievement on the North Carolina End of Grade Tests, as well as performance by pilot schools that exceeded that of the match schools.

Why do teacher-developed student learning objectives work? These are not just routine objectives. Go to CTAC's website and read the Teacher Compensation Brief on Student Learning Objectives for an analysis of the underpinnings of student learning objectives.

If you would like assistance in examining and including student learning objectives as part of your compensation reform initiative, please contact CTAC at (617) 423-1444.
Best Regards,
William J. Slotnik, Executive Director

Community Training and Assistance Center (CTAC)

CTAC builds capacity and addresses root causes of poverty at local, state and national levels by providing technical assistance, conducting research and evaluation, and supporting public policy initiatives. In the area of performance-based compensation, CTAC has provided assistance to numerous school districts, states, unions, and foundations, including serving as the technical assistance provider to Denver's landmark Pay for Performance initiative and conducting the comprehensive study of the initiative. In the area of underperforming schools and districts, CTAC has built the capacity of numerous urban districts and states to improve student achievement through data-informed accountability, site and district planning and management, and increased teacher and administrator effectiveness.

www.ctacusa.com