Accountability and transparency in government again will be two major buzzwords this fall. And locally, expect the subject of education reform in our state to enter that discussion again.

With the educational system on the hot seat nationally for accountability and results, the subject of pay for performance relating to student achievement is gaining ground in Oklahoma.

Senate Bill 2033 was signed into law this past session, moving the state closer to that system.

“It certainly is the first step to allow the school districts to create their own pay-for-performance type of program,” says Matt Robison, vice president of small business and workforce development for The State Chamber. “Just like anything else when you’re trying to enhance the betterment of the state — whether it’s economic development or educational practices — incentives are always good to have in place.”

Both The State Chamber and Oklahoma Education Association backed the bill. One of the main components is the development of a teacher and administrator evaluation system. Districts will be required to give educators annual reviews and provide feedback. Measures to address schools deemed low-achieving also will be put in place.

“There is a trend across the entire nation to focus on public education and improve public education,” says Becky Felts, president of Oklahoma Education Association. “We’re very involved with that here in Oklahoma, and I think we’re headed in the right direction.”

UNDER FIRE
The legislation comes at a time when teacher tenure systems are under fire nationally.

Colorado’s Legislature recently voted to alter its system, allowing districts to strip teachers of tenure if students fail to show progress for two consecutive years.

Felts maintains Oklahoma does not have such a system, despite some districts in the state using that exact terminology. Additionally, teachers earn “career teacher” status after three successful years in a district.

Pay for performance is a core concept for the chamber, but with the state realizing huge budget shortfalls, Robison admits the timing wasn’t right.

“This year was a horrible year, as far as funding was concerned,” he says. “You have to take good water and bad water, so to speak, in the sense this is the best time in my opinion to try to incorporate that type of funding mechanism to try to get and keep the best teachers in place.”

Expect more accountability in Oklahoma’s education system.

Senate Bill 1633 also was signed into law by Gov. Brad Henry this past session. The School District Transparency Act will require school districts to post online how each state and federal funding dollar is spent.

PAY FOR PERFORMANCE
Felts says the OEA supports Oklahoma’s current pay-for-performance incentive program, known as National Board Certification. The program allows teachers to go through a yearlong evaluation of their efforts, which culminates in an examination and submittal of a portfolio that displays mastery of accomplished teaching practices.

Teachers who successfully complete the process are rewarded with a $5,000 stipend annually for up to 10 years, as long as they remain classroom teachers. They can re-certify at the end of each cycle.

Felts says the program is a success in Oklahoma, but has been temporarily derailed.

“What we have discovered about performance pay plans is the biggest reason they fail is there is not enough money invested in them to continue,” she says. “Unfortunately, we are finding that to be true with the NBCT program.”

This past session, the state Legislature placed a two-year moratorium on teachers entering the program.

The State Chamber and OEA will be divided this fall with State Question 744. The question seeks voter approval to alter the state constitution to force public education funding equal to at least the average of surrounding states. Currently, Oklahoma ranks last among all bordering states in per-pupil funding.

The OEA argues that more funding is a must, while the chamber and other Oklahoma groups say the change would strip government programs and/or increase taxes in the state to meet the additional funding levels.

bottom photo Carrie Helms teaches drama to eighth graders at Belle Isle Enterprise Middle School. Photos/Mark Hancock