All politics are local -

How would Kerry's ed plan work in our district? After reading this aritcle I have a little better idea but there are some things I don't get:

Plan - Teachers who can demonstrate excellence--by proving through standardized tests that their pupils are learning well--would be eligible for pay raises of about $5,000.

Comment - Are standardized tests the only way to measure this?  What if this happens as it did in San Diego?

Only $5,000? I don't think that $416 a month will attract the "best and the brightest" into education.

Obviously I  want to be compenstated along lines with other professionals (Travis' credo) but I disagree with merit pay. I don't think carrot-stick approaches work in the long run. However, thats the idealist in me. Realistically, at least in Washington where the legislature has ignored two voter passed ed initiatives in the last 5 years, it may be the only way politically to ensure compensation. Sad but true.

As I enter my 8th year in education, I realize that everything about my job is political, from class size, to what books the kids use.

Update:

Another quote - Bust your butt, do an especially good job, make a noticeable difference, and you get an extra-big paycheck--that's the American way, and a straightforward inducement to hard work and results.
 
Sure that's the American way but is it the right way? Education should not be treated like other "industries". That's part of the problem