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5 weeks ago
Thursday, May 5, 2011
I've Got the Merit Pay Blues
In addition to being sooooo ready for summer vacation, I received some not-so-delightful news in a staff meeting this week. Out state has recently passed a new law that will implement a merit pay based system rather than a seniority based system to compensate teachers. Fifty-one percent of this evaluation must be based on student growth. Here lies the rub for me: I teach special education in a low income school. Many of my students do not demonstrate a year's worth or growth because the test that they are being administered is based on grade level standards. I have two kindergarten girls that will be coming to me next year. Both have IQ's around 55, which is near the moderate level. They are currently functioning at a preschool level. Therefore tests that are written on their chronological level will not provide any accurate information for me. The specifics of this plan have not been communicated to use yet, only that I will not be getting a raise next year unless I am deemed proficient. Does anyone else live in a state that has merit pay? If so, how has this worked for you?
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5 comments:
I am so sorry! I am in FL and we are just moving to merit pay too :( I would love to be paid based on my worth! ... but this system certainly doesn't make any real attempt to do this. I teach the inclusion class at a Title I school so I feel your pain. I don't understand how anyone can create a system to evaluate teachers without looking at the students they work with. Good luck. I wish I knew more... but it seems to be a common problem these days :(
Texas is voting on this tomorrow... or at least it sounds like what you're talking about. I'm not a fan!! :( I wish I had some words of wisdom, but all I can say is good luck and I'll be thinking about you!
I'm from FL and teach special ed, too. This was passed for us down here recently. We got an email that said 50% of our pay would be tied into the standardized testing; however, they didn't know how that would work for special education teachers. I'm really worried how this will effect my pay and job security. We've also been told that (at least in my district) there will no longer be anymore special ed math (accept for alternate assessment students) starting next year. The following year we will eliminate special ed language arts. Then the next year special ed reading will be eliminated. I guess they're pushing for all inclusion, no pull-outs, and everyone on grade level. I don't see how this is possible. it's scary times right now.
I'm in Tennessee and we're doing the same thing! I feel your pain. My school is also in a very low income area. Many of my students come to me still reading one grade level below where they should be. All we can do is just pray.
As a special ed teacher in a low income school, I've been wondering about this myself. I've been thinking that if they think there are problems keeping special ed teachers now, this will only make things worth. It's a crazy time.
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