LANSING — The House Education Committee recently introduced a bill that would make teacher performance a factor in determining pay. If passed by the Republican-controlled State House, the number of years on the job, along with advanced degrees would not be considered in determining teacher salaries. 

Supporters of the bill say a system where teachers are paid based on performance will benefit both educators and students. Teacher performance can be measured in multiple ways, including the scores on State standardized tests, such as the MEAP and MME; evaluations of teachers in classrooms, and other things. 

Those who oppose the bill say it’s unfair, because teachers are limited on how much influence they can have on a student’s performance.  They say several other factors also exist that contribute to poor academic performance, including the social and economic conditions of students and home environment.

Teacher evaluation is a pressing issue today and is being debated across the country. From May 8-10, about 20 reporters from nine different states, including a staff writer from The Arab American News, gathered in metro Detroit at the Detroit Media Partnership, where a conference was held to discuss the issue of teacher evaluation. Journalists visited Unis Middle School in Dearborn and met with the school’s principal and other officials in the district, as part of the conference.