Last updated on 2013.02.05
Governor Dennis Daugaard continues to demonstrate the absolute absence of principle or consistency in his education reforms. In the new "compromise" version of HB 1234 (wait: compromise? how is it compromise when the Governor keeps every one of his bad ideas and ignores the evidence against them?), Governor Daugaard ups the bonus for math and science teachers to $8000... but only gives those bonuses to new teachers in their first five years on the job.
Now on the one hand, Governor Daugaard wants to give $5000 to the top 20% of teachers based on their proven performance. But he wants to hand an even greater amount to teachers before they have demonstrated they can really add value in the classroom.
Then, once the rookies learn the ropes, once they get even better at their jobs, once they anchor themselves in the community and show a willingness to make a long-term commitment, Governor Daugaard will say, "Great! Gotcha! I'm cutting your pay $8000."
So if I'm a new college graduate with a math or science degree, and I'm looking to pay off my $40,000 student debt, I could take Governor Daugaard up on his offer, knowing that in five years, my earning power is going to take a huge hit. Or I could go to any adjoining state, work not one bit harder, pay off my loans sooner, and know that in year six of my glorious teaching career, my salary will not take an automatic 20%+ hit. What route would you choose? What route would you tell your kids to choose?
Senate Leader Russell Olson insists that this plan is all about student achievement, something with which he has little personal experience. Given that these math and science bonuses are not designed to boost student achievement and may actually hurt it by favoring less experienced teachers and driving more job turnover after year five, Senator Olson will surely be voting to strike this provision from HB 1234. Surely.
When in a rut, quit digging..... otherwise this becomes a grave. Some absolutely refuse to recognize and take responsibility for the differences in teacher salaries between SD and other states. Gee Cory, good point! A temporary, $8,000 annual bonus is hardly a incentive when other states already offer this "extra" amount in permanent salaries. Rather than inject extra state resources into this or that reform scheme standardized and micro-managed by state government, why not simply put all available dollars back into the per-pupil state aid formula. Republican party ideals supposedly favor local control and the decentralization of government- except for public education????? My clue meter reads zero on this one!
When neglect has caused a leaking roof, knocking out the foundation is not the answer. GDD and the Republican leadership need a refresher course on problem solving or better yet suggest they quit perfecting the art of problem creation. I'm also disappointed that the Association of Superintendent's and the School Board Association went along with HB1234. Those who knew better left the SDEA and all teachers out on the proverbial limb. Rick Melmer also has some explaining to do. When two former Teacher's of the Year provide critical testimony and that advice is not heeded, you can bet that there will be problems down the road. GDD want 's to hand out money to the 20% but he doesn't much care for their viewpoints.
South Dakota failed in the Race to the Top grant applications in 2009. I recall a blog report that said the South Dakota application was in the bottom five. The SD Dept of Education failed to apply for the 4 billion in available grant awards in 2010. And this Dept of Ed, which failed so miserably on the national stage, will be approving or disallowing local districts plans for merit pay. It would be laughable if it wasn't so sad.
But it's worked out pretty well for Melmer. Talking up the laptop program when other Superintendents wanted real money for students helped him land a Cabinet post, and the big chair in the Dean of the Ed School at USD. The system is working for Melmer - not so much for the teacher of the year types.
I agree with you on this Cory!
Yes, Rick Melmer did testify in favor of HB 1234. Nice to know we all keep scratching each other's backs... and listening to bureaucrats instead of active teachers.
Thank you, Mike! Now help us out: call your legislators and tell them to buck the governor, back education, and kill this bill.
and Melmer wasn't a good basketball official as well!
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