Argues that if President George W. Bush is interested in improving the educational system, he should address the real problem (disproportionately low wages for teachers) like a good businessman would do: by raising teachers' salaries significantly in order to draw the most talented people. (SR)

Addresses South Carolina's Educational Improvement Act of 1984, at risk in the context of four considerations: (1) the seduction of test scores; (2) the issue of teacher pay, particularly incentive pay; (3) the real tasks of intervention; and (4) the expectations of leadership. (JK)

Discusses the current single-step salary schedule used to compensate teachers in most public school systems. Presents a model for basing an incentive system for promotion and salary on a more equitable and realistic multiple-step system. (NKA)