Philadelphia School District's New Contract for Teachers Wins Praise for Bold Approach to Failing Schools

Strategic Insights -

The Philadelphia School District's new contract for teachers has garnered high marks from state and national leaders as a pioneering plan that could revolutionize the way failing schools are turned around. Pennsylvania Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak praised the three-year pact, which includes extended school days and school years for failing schools, performance bonuses for staff at the most-improved and highest-performing schools, and innovative measures for evaluating teacher performance. The contract's focus on performance bonuses and professional development has caught the attention of U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan, who has publicly commended the district for its bold approach.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new contract includes extended school days and school years for failing schools, with 100 extra minutes of instructional time per day and 30 extra days of instruction per year.
  • Performance bonuses will be awarded to staff at the most-improved and highest-performing schools, with bonuses ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
  • The contract emphasizes teacher evaluation and professional development, with a focus on growth and improvement.
  • The Renaissance model, developed by dozens of educators and business and community leaders, allows outside managers to run schools for up to five years, but requires measurable progress and evaluation by a third party.
  • The district will implement a more nuanced system of teacher assignment and evaluation, giving schools more say in hiring decisions and promoting more effective teaching practices.
  • Philadelphia will initially implement the Renaissance model in fewer than a dozen schools, with plans to expand to 8 "turnaround" schools the first year, 40 the second, and 28 the third.

Statistics:

  • 100 extra minutes of instructional time per day
  • 30 extra days of instruction per year
  • Performance bonuses of $1,000 to $5,000
  • Up to 50 percent of staff at failing schools facing reassignment
  • Eight "turnaround" schools planned for the first year
  • 40 "turnaround" schools planned for the second year
  • 28 "turnaround" schools planned for the third year

Sources:

  • Susan Snyder, staff writer, The Philadelphia Inquirer
  • Gerald Zahorchak, Pennsylvania Education Secretary
  • Arne Duncan, U.S. Education Secretary
  • Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers
  • Lauren Jacobs, coordinator for the Philadelphia Cross City Campaign for School Reform
  • Betsy Useem, educational research consultant
  • The Philadelphia School District