September 24, 2008 - Superintendent Pat Forgione today announced that two additional schools – Webb Middle School and Jordan Elementary School – have been added to the AISD REACH – Strategic Compensation Program. This brings the total number of schools participating in the compensation and support program to 11, as the pilot program moves into its second year. AISD REACH was developed and designed to advance the district's ongoing efforts to recruit, retain, and reward the very best teachers and principals for Austin's schools.

Earlier this summer, 419 teachers and principals at the nine schools that participated in the pilot program earned $1 million in payments. A second round of payouts will be made in January 2009, based on school-wide TAKS growth.  
 
“We are pleased to be able to add Webb and Jordan to the schools participating in this innovative and ambitious program,” said Superintendent Pat Forgione. “We are confident these two schools will see benefits from this research-based initiative that will include improvements in student achievement and in the recruitment and retention of the best teachers and principals.”  
 
In addition to adding the two schools, AISD REACH has strengthened the professional development component of the program. The program has 13 full-time mentors working at the pilot’s seven highest-needs schools this year. Eligibility for the program has also expanded this year to include instructional specialists, librarians, and assistant principals. In addition, a new assessment will be available to improve options for measurement of student growth and a new database system for the collection of student learning objectives will be added.  
 
AISD REACH is made up of three program elements:  
 
Student Growth  
TAKS Schoolwide Growth is based on academic improvement on TAKS using TEA’s Comparable Growth Indicator  
Student Learning Objectives (SLOs) are two teacher developed growth objectives based on campus and classroom data  
 
Professional Growth  
TAKE ONE! ™allows teachers to submit one video-taped portfolio entry of National Board Certification  
Mentoring Program for Highest-Needs Campuses provides targeted support for teachers in years 1-3 of service from veteran educators  
 
Highest-Needs Schools  
New to School Stipend for Teachers in years 1-3 of service at pilot Highest-Needs Campuses  
Retention Stipend for Teachers in years 4+ of service at pilot Highest-Needs Campuses  
 
“The results of the first-year pilot are very encouraging and we want to take AISD REACH to the next level,” said David Lussier, Director of the Strategic Compensation Program. “We are pleased to have Webb and Jordan joining this program which is supporting and rewarding teachers and principals for innovation in the classroom.”