Pay for Performance Proposals in Race to the Top Round II Applications. Briefing Memo

The Education Commission of the States reviewed all 36 Race to the Top (RttT) round II applications. Each of the 36 states that applied for round II funding referenced pay for performance under the heading of "Improving teacher and principal effectiveness based on performance." The majority of states outlined pay for performance initiatives to be implemented upon receipt of RttT funds. Key takeaways from the 36 applications are: (1) Most pay for performance initiatives are to be implemented at the individual teacher level and will be informed by annual evaluations; (2) Programs range from defined bonuses granted on top of an existing pay schedule (Georgia) to complete overhauls of the compensation system tying teacher pay to performance (Florida); (3) Many states intend to provide differentiated pay for additional responsibilities and/or teaching in high-need schools or subject areas; (4) In addition to state-level funds provided for pay for performance development, Local Education Agency (LEA) subgrants in many states also can fund pay-for-performance initiatives; and (5) Many states asserted that they will continue to seek grants from the Teacher Incentive Fund (TIF), Teacher Advancement Program (TAP) program, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and others to fund pay for performance pilots in their states.