Cautious approach to teacher 'pay for performance'

GAINESVILLE - Hall County Schools Superintendent Will Schofield is being cautious with his approach to Gov. Perdue's proposal to pay Georgia's teachers, based on student performance, rather than their advanced degrees.

"And, if we do it the right way, this can be a very positive thing for Georgia's children," Schofield told The Local Hour on WDUN NEWS TALK 550 Wednesday.

But, he said the key is finding a way to measure "gain" in students, and not "absolute scores."

"If we can find a way to assess what they know when they come to us at the beginning of the year and assess again at the end of the year, I would be a complete supporter of 'pay for performance.'"

The governor unveiled his proposal Monday at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce's annual Eggs 'n' Issues Breakfast. (See earlier story.)

Also Wednesday, Schofield said the Hall County School System plans to use the recent "snow days" as teacher "furlough days" if it needs them. He said though no furlough days have been mandated for teachers the second half of the school year. "I still believe we certainly have furlough days coming and we'll have that opportunity to shift those snow days to furlough days if that becomes necessary."

Hall County schools missed two full days of class - Friday and Monday - because of icy roads left over from Thursday's snow.

Schofield said he doesn't think school systems in Georgia will know how many furlough days they will be required to take for the rest of the school year until the new state budget proposal is unveiled probably within the next 10 days.