Take a Chance on Me (Tentative Agreement)

After reading the new BTU tentative agreement, I was reminded of a scene from The Office where Andy sings ABBA's single "Take a Chance on Me" in order to court Angela. The lyrics "...Gonna do my very best and it ain't no lie/If you put me to the test, if you let me try..." are especially appropriate considering that the agreement is a form of merit pay.

In sum, the tentative agreement is huge change from the "traditional" step progression of the last few years. Under the step system, teachers receive incremental pay increases based on years of experience and their level of education determines the bracket in which their step falls. However, under the proposed system, teachers' pay is determined by Achievement Unites (AUs). AUs are earned by a scaled evaluation, professional development, graduate courses, and in some cases professional services. It also splits teachers into 4 categories, new hires, professional teachers, model teachers, and lead teachers, each with advancing pay scales.

The most tenuous of the terms is the vaugness of the actual evaluation system. Under Maryland's application for Race to the Top and new state law, 50% of a teacher's evaluation is based on "student achievement". The biggest problem is that there is no clear way to measure student achievement as outlined in the proposal. The tentative agreement also grants that evaluations are to be determined. I can only speak for the climate of my school but this seems to be the biggest sticking point of the entire agreement.

The trend in school reform does indeed seem to point towards merit pay and student achievement based evaluations. That said, it is my position that we take a chance on this contract for several reasons. First, there are protections in place for those worried about the evaluations including 50% BTU representation on the team that develops the system of evaluations. Second, the agreement outlines 3 years of implementation that includes a review at the end. If this system does not positively affect student achievement then we will revert to the step system with no loss of any salary increases. Third, those who do evaluations are required to be trained int he new system to ensure consistency. Finally, the agreement outlines system called the School Based Option, which allows teachers more autonomy and decision making at the school level.

Baltimore could really benefit from this contract as it is progressive and a major city of interest when it comes to reform. If Baltimore passes this contract, many other cities would watch in anticipation as to the positive effects of the reform. Baltimore may see a wider selection of teacher candidates and the return of veterans who left the field because of lower pay.

Overall, the tentative agreement empowers teachers while focusing on student achievement. Both are things that most educators would agree are important to a healthy school system. Sometimes you just have to take a chance.