In most U.S. public school districts, all teachers receive the same raises, negotiated by union contracts. Classroom performance is judged by the principal in an annual visit. Cincinnati's plan was approved in September by two-thirds of the 3,100 members of the teachers union. By nearly everyone's account, it has meant more work. For teachers, there is a 75-page book of standards and rules to learn and live by.
Teachers also have more self-appraisals to do, and there's paperwork for reflections on the job.
Portfolios of lessons and student work must be maintained. Each evaluator must conduct four 40-minute surprise reviews a year for each of 40 teachers. Principals conduct two evaluations for their teachers on comprehensive review. The process started in October for 600 teachers who are in their third, 17th and 22nd years. Teachers face the comprehensive review every five years.