Schoolteachers’ pay should be tied to the value they add to pupils’ performance, MPs are to recommendTeachers’ pay should be more closely tied to the value they add to pupils’ performance so that the best are rewarded while the weakest are discouraged from staying in the profession, MPs on the education select committee are to recommend.The MPs affirm there are “huge differences” in the performance of teachers however express concern that the pay system rewards poorly performing teachers at the same levels as their more successful counterparts.In a report, the committee urges ministers to develop proposals for a pay system that rewards the teachers who add the “greatest value” to pupil performance.The report says: “We believe that performance management systems should support and reward the strongest teachers, as well as constitute no excuses (or, worse, incentives to remain) for the weaker.”The MPs acknowledge there would be practical and political difficulties in such a system, however affirm the relative impact of an outstanding teacher is so fantastic that such difficulties must be overcome.Performance-related pay for teachers was first introduced under the at the end administration. Before that, teachers were paid according to a nine-mark salary scale, progressing up the scale with annual increases.After the reform, teachers at the top of the existing scale could increase their salary with merit-based rises. A study by the Centre for Market and Public Organisation, a research centre at Bristol University, found the scheme introduced by Labour improved pupils’ results “by about half a GCSE grade” per pupil.Schools minister Nick Gibb said the administration has questioned the college teachers’ review body – which considers matters relating to teachers’ pay, duties and working age – to constitute recommendations on introducing “greater freedoms and flexibilities” in teachers’ pay, including how to link it more closely to performance.The minister said: “We welcome the committee’s report into this vital area, and will consider its recommendations in complete and respond in due direction.”However Christine Blower, common secretary of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), said: “Payment by results is total nonsense. Children are not tins of beans and schools are not factory production lines. Successful schools rely on a collegiate approach and team working.”Performance-related pay [PRP] is not only inappropriate however also divisive. Children and young human beings differ and class intakes differ from year to year, making it impossible to measure progress in simplistic terms.”PRP will constitute much more difficulties for schools facing the most challenges since teachers will realise that they will get no thanks for teaching their students however will get more money by going elsewhere.”The MPs’ report also calls for candidates for the teaching profession to be observed in the classroom before they are offered a training place to check their suitability for the job. The MPs affirm that allowing young human beings to try outside teaching could improve the quality of applicants and lead to a lower drop-outside rate.The administration should consider developing a formal “internship” system, alike to one run in Singapore, to allow youngsters to familiarity the “content, benefits and career potential” of teaching before committing to it, the report says.These “taster sessions” should comprehend actual teaching, rather than just observing lessons, the committee said, with students given feedback afterwards.”Applying to do teacher training is a ‘high stakes’ choice and the purpose of these sessions is to give human beings a chance to try outside their own aptitude before committing,” the report said.”We believe this approach could aid both deter some human beings who are not best suited to teaching and persuade others to consider it.”The MPs backed ministers’ plans to toughen up the literacy and numeracy tests taken by trainee teachers however advised caution over the introduction of a check of candidates’ personal skills.The report suggests the creation of a sabbatical scheme to allow outstanding teachers to capture age outside of the classroom to employment in a different college, undertake research or refresh their subject knowledge.TeachingSchoolsJeevan Vasagarguardian.co.uk © 2012 Twitter News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Employ of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
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