Merit pay proponents argue that merit pay will: (1) attract higher caliber individuals to teaching; (2) retain good teachers; and (3) motivate teachers to improve instruction. These claims are investigated. Recommendations regarding effective alternatives to merit pay are discussed. (MT)

There have been continuing shortages of teachers in certain geographical areas and subject fields. While the shortage of mathematics and physical science teachers has been widely publicized, recent projections indicate an imminent shortage of elementary school teachers to be followed by a shortage of secondary school teachers in the next decade.…

In the flurry of activity surrounding the implementation of No Child Left Behind's (NCLB) student proficiency mandates, the federal requirement to have a "highly qualified" teacher in every classroom by 2005 seemed like an impossible goal. However, 2005 has come and gone and the highly qualified teacher crisis never happened. In this…

The role of merit pay is examined in the contexts of two different faculty salary systems, and the interaction of the salary system and assessment of individual merit to produce particular patterns of faculty mobility is discussed. (MSE)

A typology is developed of the dimensions along which a teacher's contribution can be assessed and a pay plan projected that emphasizes each of these dimensions. Several issues cutting across various pay-reform proposals are discussed, notably the balance between rewarding veteran and novice teachers, and its effect on teacher recruitment. (RDN)

Focuses chiefly on compensation as a means of improving the quality and increasing the supply of public school teachers. Recommends variety and flexibility in the forms of compensation as means of recruiting new, high-quality teachers and retaining existing teachers. (DR)

Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states are implementing policies that provide incentives to attract and retain teachers and increase student performance. Every state has unique priorities. This report includes a framework for thinking about priorities for a state based on the SREB's teacher supply and demand research (reducing new teacher…

This study of faculty pay scales at Utah Valley State College (UVSC) surveyed a total of 198 faculty on several issues: whether the current pay scale system provided enough flexibility to recruit and train faculty; whether it facilitated or inhibited consistency in faculty remuneration; whether it facilitated or inhibited a merit pay system,…

Current facts concerning the teaching profession should be analyzed and acted upon. Most college students now studying to enter the teaching profession come from the bottom quarter of those taking the college entrance examinations. Schools and Colleges of Education are held in very low esteem on most campuses; therefore, when budgets are cut, they…

In view of the emphasis on money as a motivator mentioned in reports examining theoretical notions about teacher motivation, this paper focuses on the efficacy of using salary to attract quality teacher candidates. Although standarized testing and internship programs often supplement inadequate certification requirements, critics question the…