Interim Study will examine merit-based pay system for Oklahoma teachers House education leader Rep. Tad Jones will spearhead an interim study that will look at creating a new merit-based pay system for Oklahoma teachers, Speaker Lance Cargill announced today. "A one-size-fits-all approach to teacher pay is now in the past. We should be encouraging excellence in our schools by rewarding the best teachers," said Cargill, R-Harrah. "Over the next few months, the House will intensively study how Oklahoma can develop a comprehensive merit-pay system for teachers that ties academic results to salary levels. The days of across-the-board pay increases for teachers are over. From now on, pay increases must be tied to results." "We know there will be opposition to our efforts by the forces of the status quo, and there will be those who claim to be for merit pay while actively working against the real thing," Cargill continued. "But in the 21st century knowledge-based economy, Oklahoma's success will be directly tied to our state's intellectual capital. We must have big dreams and bold reform and move past the bog standards and limited expectations of the past." Jones, chair of the House Education Committee, said he is excited about chairing the study. "Our state is lucky to have hardworking teachers, and the best teachers deserve better pay. It's just that simple," said Jones, R-Claremore. "We've begun the process of merit pay with the Academic Achievement Awards, which rewards a team of teachers. Now it's time to start identifying the next steps."

Labels: OK Legislature, Rep. Tad Jones

Posted at 6/11/2007 03:27:00 PM