Gov. Ben Cayetano has said he does not want to settle without including some components of accountability. Negotiators say those components likely would be in the form of performance-based salary schedules and professional development.
Many teachers say they welcome the prospect of higher expectations along with higher salaries.
Tying raises to performance in the classroom isn't anything new, said Karen Ginoza, president of the Hawaii State Teachers Association. Like most states, Hawaii has a step schedule that boosts pay based on seniority and performance. As far as pay raises tied to seniority vs. increases tied to demonstrated proficiency in the classroom, many see that as a separate issue, said Greg Knudsen, state Department of Education spokesman. The concern is how to measure that and administer it fairly. The implementation of standards to which schools would be held accountable is a long-term process, but one that has been in development by the Department of Education, Knudsen said.