The targets for middle and high schools, which also will be linked to test scores, will be announced next month, he said. The goals will take effect this school year. But Domenech said that clear, measurable goals are the best way to motivate schools and that test scores provide such a yardstick. Several School Board members agreed. That approach has been relatively effective.
Board members have mixed views on the idea of rewards and sanctions.
At this point, the only Fairfax schools that face such consequences are 20 low-performing schools that risk having their staffs replaced if they do not meet a set of achievement goals by 2002 and that will get financial rewards if they reach the targets. Domenech announced that plan last spring. Those 20 schools were given extra teachers and more classroom hours, and several board members said that other schools should not be threatened with sanctions without first ensuring that they have adequate resources. Domenech said he would like to go to a system of rewards and penalties for all county schools soon. Board members were more cautious on a timetable for that.