What is Strategic Compensation?

This is a Districtwide initiative aimed at Raising student achievement by Recruiting, Retaining and Recognizing exemplary classroom teachers and campus principals.

Who is involved in developing this work?

From its inception, this initiative has been developed with the involvement and input of AISD educators and community stakeholders: A Task Force and Steering Committee comprised of teachers, principals, parents, and community members has led the development of this work. More than 2,700 teachers and 130 principals/assistant principals completed an on-line compensation survey. Approximately 80 teachers, principals, central offi ce administrators, Trustees, parents, and community members participated in interviews and focus groups related to compensation reform in AISD. A "listening tour" solicited additional feedback from the faculties of six schools. A parent survey was recently mailed to 4,000 AISD parents in both English and Spanish to solicit their input. The Greater Austin Chamber Compensation Task Force provided input from the business community.

When will this initiative be implemented in AISD?

In researching similar efforts across the country, the District has learned that the complexity of compensation reform requires a phased-in approach allowing for careful evaluation of programs and an understanding of both intended and unintended consequences before a Districtwide implementation. With this in mind, and pending Board approval, AISD has planned for two phases of piloting beginning in the 2007-2008 school year with nine schools, and increasing to approximately 20 schools in 2009-2010.

What is being piloted?

The three main areas of program elements to be piloted include Student Growth, Highest-Needs Schools, and Professional Growth. More information about these elements is on the reverse side.

Which schools will participate in the 2007-2008 pilot?

A key consideration in establishing criteria for participation in the 2007-2008 pilot is the need to evaluate new compensation program elements at a diverse group of campuses, representative of the District as a whole. The criteria used in selecting campuses will include academic performance, teacher retention, and established campus leadership. Additionally, some campuses will be those considered "Highest-Needs" schools based on their populations of economically disadvantaged students, English Language Learners, and Special Needs students. In all cases, schools invited to participate in the pilot will need a 2/3 vote of the faculty to confi rm their participation.

How is this initiative being funded?

Beginning in FY 2007-2008, the AISD Board of Trustees has dedicated one penny of the District's Maintenance and Operations tax rate (approximately $4.3 million) annually to fund Strategic Compensation.

How is this initiative important to my job in AISD?

This initiative will be testing a new model of compensating teachers and principals by tying incentives to supports and results. Practitioners will be able to augment their base salary while also engaging in new practices to increase their professional skills and improve student learning.