Will Grading Principal Improve Pittsburgh Schools
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Reference Education -> subcategory Weather.
Can Grading Principals Enhance Pittsburgh Schools?
Overview
Pittsburgh Schools have faced challenges in improving their performance, as measured by the Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) assessment. After failing to meet the No Child Left Behind Act standards for four consecutive years, significant changes were mandated for the 2006-2007 school year. These included closing 22 schools, establishing accelerated learning academies, and increasing K-8 schools.
New Initiatives
Superintendent Mark Roosevelt recognized the need for further reform, starting with leadership. The district introduced the Pittsburgh Urban Leadership System for Excellence (PULSE), aimed at strengthening support for new principals, enhancing training for future administrators, and setting tougher evaluation standards. A key feature of this initiative is transitioning from annual step increases to a performance-based pay model for all principals.
Funding and Incentives
The district has applied for an $8.9 million federal grant to support this initiative, expecting a decision by June. If approved, traditional step increases will be replaced by a $2,000 base pay raise linked to achieving 28 performance-based goals. Additionally, principals can earn up to $10,000 in bonuses for demonstrating significant academic improvements in students. This could potentially offer principals higher compensation compared to the step increase system.
Early Implementation
The pay-for-performance plan was first implemented last year with principals of the eight new accelerated learning academies. However, it's too early to determine its impact on student outcomes. Pittsburgh Schools have shown modest gains, with a 3% improvement in 5th-grade math and a 9% increase in 8th-grade reading, but there's still a long way to go.
The Debate
Is this approach the solution? The plan includes a rating scale with levels like rudimentary, emerging, proficient, and accomplished, covering academics, community relations, and student success. Many urban districts, including Pittsburgh Schools, struggle with raising academic standards. The concept of merit pay for administrators and teachers has sparked debate for decades. While performance-based bonuses haven't been widely used for teachers yet, success with principals could lead to broader application.
Conclusion
Will grading principals be effective? Critics argue that educational systems differ from corporate environments, where incentives may not have the same impact. Conversely, supporters claim that the absence of performance-based pay is a major issue for Pittsburgh Schools and public education overall. This initiative might become the most significant reform this year, and its success remains to be seen. Stay tuned for further developments.
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