Press Release

Manual Joins Pay For Performance Pilot

February 26, 2001

The staff of Manual High School voted last week to join the district's pay for performance pilot.

The district's Design Team, which is managing the pilot, said faculty support met the necessary 67 percent threshold for Manual to be included.

Manual's faculty is the first at the high school level to join the pilot; one middle school and 11 elementary school faculties have already joined the pilot, which is studying the idea of basing increases in teacher pay on improved student performance.

"We are very pleased that the Manual staff has stepped forward to join this effort," said Superintendent Bernadette Seick. "The involvement of a high school, because of the wide variety of courses taught and special programs offered by high school staffs, is critical to the success of the pilot."

Added Design Team member Brad Jupp: "The Design Team is excited to extend what we have learned from the elementary and middle schools in the pilot and explore how it works in a high school."

Teachers in pilot schools are working with their principals on an annual basis to develop two performance objectives for the school year. Pay increases are then provided in a lump sum upon the completion of the objectives.

Three approaches are being tested, including:

1. Objectives based on Iowa Tests of Basic Skills or other district approved standardized tests.
   
2. Objectives based on criterion referenced (teacher developed) tests.
   
3. Objectives based on increased teacher knowledge and skills.

In March of 2000 the Board of Education approved the idea of extending the pilot through the 2002-2003 school year. Final approval of the plan being developed by the Design Team - two administrators and two teachers - is scheduled before December, 2003.

"The Denver Classroom Teachers Association is proud that the teachers at Manual are willing to engage in such an important investigation. They are true professionals," said DCTA president Andrea Giunta.

For further information, please contact Brad Jupp 720-423-3629), Manual High School principal Nancy Sutton (303-861-6300) or Manual teacher Rhonda Urbach (303-391-6419).