It doesn't look like teachers will have to take smaller bonus checks to make up a state budget shortfall.
The budget adopted by the General Assembly sets aside $90 million for ABC bonuses, which is $17 million less than what DPI projected is needed. But instead of reducing bonuses, state education officials are looking for ways to come up with the remaining $17 million.
The thought of just reducing the bonuses has gotten very little traction.
Under the state's ABCs program, teachers can get bonuses of up to $1,500. The stress is up to because state law wouldn't prevent giving less than $1,500.
But since the program started in 1996, the money has always been found to give $1,500 as the maximum bonus.
Back when legislators were considering only giving $70 million this year, DPI warned that the maximum bonus might be cut to $995. That was not well received.
At schools making high growth, teachers can get up to $1,500 and teacher assistants can get up to $500. At schools making expected growth, teachers get up to $750 and teacher assistants receive up to $350.
(I'm out of here from Friday through all of next week. I won't be in a position to respond to questions until I get back. Kinea will hold down the fort while I'm gone.)
Comments
Easy Savings to be found at DPI.......
Thu, 07/10/2008 - 14:50 — WuptdoI know where DPI can find $17 million dollars -- just eliminate about 200 staff/management positions. Can anyone think of any good that has come out of DPI in the 5, 10, 15 years? NCWise????
DPI -- helping keep the unemployable gainfully employed.
bonuses
Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:53 — shank56Bouses are not based on NCLB , but on the NC EOG's and EOC's.
The state does break down (disaggregate) the scores by subgroups, but the bonuses are awarded based on total composite scores growth. So even if black males do not reach expected growth in 4th grade reading, its possible for the strength of scores in 3-5 in reading and math to carry the school and allow the teachers to receive high growth bonuses ($1500).
Under NCLB, if black males do NOT achieve AYP, but all other subgroups do meet AYP, the school is still designated a FAILING school by not meeting 100% of the targets. Hardly fair, IMO.
YOU'RE PREACHING TO THE CHOIR
Sun, 07/13/2008 - 00:09 — Anonymous (not verified)IT IS WHAT IT IS AND WE WILL NEVER MEET THE MARK THE WAY IT IS SET UP
Bonuses
Thu, 07/10/2008 - 13:01 — Anonymous (not verified)Correct me if I'm wrong but since NCLB began the bonuses have been cut in half unless the school also met AYP (each individual sub group met standard). Teachers at high growth schools would get $1500 if they also met AYP but if say hispanic males didn't meet expected goals in 8th grade math and all other subgroups did meet expected goals teachers would get $750. Many schools have over 20 subgroups within their population which tends to make it very difficult to jump this hurdle.