Overview Today we rely on a regulatory approach to teacher quality, but many have argued that the way to get better teachers is not to further restrict entry into the profession, but to open up entry into teaching to more individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Real accountability means serious consequences for success and failure.
The proper incentives are created by results-based accountability systems in which states independently measure pupil achievement, issue public report cards on schools, reward successful schools, and intervene in or use sanctions against failing schools. The Detroit Free Press reports that the Detroit School District's CEO is implementing a new plan to reward good principals and weed out the bad. Last year the state removed principals and assistant principals from the union ranks, the article reports, giving the CEO the power to hold each principal accountable for producing results. This move opened the door for a new compensation package, which will provide about half of the city's principals with a substantial pay raise this year and leave many others with a pay cut. The school district is also offering principals a new retirement incentive.