Provides an overview of Japanese second-language instruction in the United States. Suggests that, despite the quality and amount of resources, many Japanese programs are in an unstable situation. Discusses a project in Colorado that is working toward the common goals of Japanese instruction at the secondary and postsecondary levels. (Author/VWL)

This paper discusses the concept of performance-based pay, or merit pay, for teachers as a way to encourage better teaching. It begins with a general discussion of the issue of performance-based pay, which on the surface seems simple, but in practice is very complex. It continues with a discussion of whether the achievement to be assessed is based…