Pay for performance is not a new idea, and reformers should not ignore the dismal record of merit pay over the past century. Initially adopted with a flourish of expectations during several waves of popularity in the past, every plan eventually fell into disuse. These plans proved to be unexpectedly costly and cumbersome to run. They often…

Too many low-income, Hispanic, and African-American students in Texas's 50 largest districts are not getting their fair share of the best teachers, or the money it takes to pay for them. This report documents sometimes stunning inequities in teacher credentials, teacher experience, teacher turnover and average teacher salaries among schools within…

Policymakers and education leaders in Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states have been working since 2002 to meet all 12 "Challenge to Lead" Goals for Education. At the same time, SREB states have had to struggle with the toughest economic challenges in decades. Even so, SREB states have succeeded in achieving many of the goals…