The use of performance-based pay, or merit pay, has become a topic of increased focus in education circles in recent years. Questions about the effectiveness of these types of programs, coupled with a variety of criticisms about the benefits of merit pay, have resulted in teachers viewing this type of incentive structure with much skepticism. In…

Reviews the types of teacher certification examinations and questions their validity and the procedures used for validating the tests. Includes references. (MD)

In schools across the country, there is increased emphasis on coaching--a process whereby seasoned teachers provide instructional support, professional development opportunities, feedback, and materials to classroom teachers--as a central means to improve instruction and build the capacity of school staff members. Currently, a number of districts…

Demonstrates how teachers--without disrupting their teaching duties--can increase their effectiveness by conducting research on teaching methods in their own classrooms, using simple data collection techniques and research methods permitting confident development of hypotheses and research strategies. (PGD)

The Holmes Group report and the Carnegie Task Force report concur on the American problem of decreasing standards for entry into teaching during times of teacher shortage. This article compares and contrasts the two reports, refers to similar proposals, and raises issues not covered in either report. Four footnotes are appended. (IW)