"NASHVILLE — Offering middle-school math teachers bonuses up to $15,000 did not produce gains in student test scores, Vanderbilt University researchers reported Tuesday in what they said was the first scientifically rigorous test of merit pay."
There appears to be no body of consistent data showing that merit pay results in significant improvement in academic test scores.
Merit pay changes collaboration to competition and creates a culture of exploiting students for adult profit.
Who will want to teach the students in greatest need if it creates an unfair financial disadvantage?
Career analyst Dan Pink examines the puzzle of motivation, starting with a fact that social scientists know but most managers don't: Traditional rewards aren't always as effective as we think. Listen for illuminating stories -- and maybe, a way forward.
The Puzzle of Motivation
