It's Elementary: Commitment + Incentinve = Increased Student Performance

It's encouraging to hear that some educators are looking at successful alternatives across the country to the status quo education that is clearly not working in many areas of Missouri. It is unfortunate, at the same time, that so many students must suffer at the hands of our educracy and reach college (if they make it that far..) unprepared for the education that awaits them there that will lead them to successful careers. When we fail our students, we continue to pay for them throughout their lifetime

A recent article in the South East Missourian states that Educators in South East Missouri spent $2 million last year to educate high school grads that weren't ready for college! "We want to examine the best practices used across the country and who has the best programs," said Randy Humphrey, vice president of academic affairs at the community college.

In New York, Wisconsin, Florida and scores of other regions, the concept of 'Merit Pay' is being tested with promising results. A consensus is building across the political spectrum that rewarding teachers with bonuses or raises for improving student achievement, working in lower income schools or teaching subjects that are hard to staff can energize veteran teachers and attract bright rookies to the profession.

Here's an enlightened idea presented by a concerned Missourian:

"Merit based pay would allure the best teachers, reward them, and create an incentive for them to stick around. Many incredibly talented and intelligent people chose not to enter the teaching profession because of the low pay. Many others will grow frustrated with the hard work they put in without the chance of reward. I recognize most people do not enter the profession for the pay, but this does not mean those people do not deserve more."

We need to lure bright new talented teachers and give them incentive to perform. We also need to provide incentive to seasoned high-performing teachers to take on the more challenging classes/students so we don't lose our new recruits who typically get placed in the most difficult classrooms. It's simple math, folks.