After earlier plans fell out of favor, pay for performance plans are becoming more popular. Factors that make those plans more viable include new data systems and ways to measure performance, increased attention on the importance of effective teaching, the need for efficiencies in salary schedules during tough economic conditions, and a change in attitudes among teachers and other stakeholders. Taken as a whole, pay for performance is now poised to become more reality than simple rhetoric, but much work must be done to ensure pay for performance programs are effective. (Contains 2 tables.)