We are a group of teachers at Point Dume Marine Science School in Malibu, Calif. We are writing to protest the distribution of “bonuses” for teachers who are employed in schools where the SAT 9 test scores have increased.
We have recently learned that we are to receive approximately $590 each due to our increased API (Achievement Performance Index). While we appreciate that members of the California Legislature wish to show appreciation to teachers, we feel that this form of compensation is inappropriate and counterproductive.
Research clearly shows that students living in poverty, second language learners, students with learning disabilities, and students attending overcrowded schools are at a great disadvantage in a system that rewards and punishes students and teachers based on a test score.
We need our politicians to respect and support the complexities of the teaching profession. Just as governmental officials would not use one standard measure on which to base all judgment and decisions, so teachers must not be judged by one score on a standardized test.
Parental involvement, class sizes, student motivation, administrative support and access to resources all impact student achievement.
We have entered the teaching profession as public servants. We celebrate the personal fulfillment that comes from this profession. We rejoice in the small achievements that our students make every day. We are indebted to our colleagues in other public schools who have the harder jobs: those who work to make a difference for students who live in areas of higher crime and poverty. They face a great challenge and need all the support and resources possible.
Bonus awards will not increase actual learning in our schools. It demoralizes us with the message that a test score is the most important measurement of our teaching. It gives young and experienced teachers incentives to seek out high achieving school districts for jobs.
We suggest that politicians explore more productive ways to improve performance, such as, providing more financial support, providing more teaching support, and expanding efforts to attract experienced teachers to those lowest-performing schools.
Point Dume School Teachers: Jane Woodwell, Kelley Matthews, Ken Harris, Kris Jennings, Vonnie VanNote, Beth Levin, Cindy Johnson, Kerrin Gruber, Tammy Mackey, Margo Dunn and Gina Armfield