Arguments against merit pay as part of a merit pay group project for EDUC 610.

1. Arguments
Against Merit
Pay

2. A Little Background
Backus, R. 2013, March 5. Merit Pay for Teachers.
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgWq_HDRBZs

3. 5 Reasons to Say NO to Merit Pay
1. Developing, implementing, and monitoring a merit pay system would
require a vast bureaucracy that would take time and resources away from
the primary focus of teachers and administrators to educate students.

4. 2. Merit pay would create a sense of competition between teachers to be
better than others and look out only for themselves. This would be
detrimental to students in that it would destroy the cooperation and
collaboration between teachers that has been proven effective in student
learning outcomes.

5. 3. The impact of a teacher on his or her students is difficult, if not impossible,
to define and measure. There is no way to measure inspiration, compassion,
and devotion. There can be no price tag on the way a teacher connects with a
student and makes an impact on his or her life. Additionally, there is no way to
equitably compare the diverse needs of English Language Learners, Special
Education Students, and students from low income neighborhoods.
Willingham, D. 2009, May 25. Merit Pay, Teacher Pay, and Value Added Measures
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uONqxysWEk8

6. 4. Teachers are already worth much more than they are compensated for.
Simply paying teachers more could impact the education system as whole in
a positive way by attracting more professionals to the field and minimizing
teacher turnover.

7. 5. High-stakes Merit Pay systems could lead to dishonesty and corruption.
Educators may be compelled to lie, cheat, or teach to the test due to the
stressful demands placed on them as well as financial motivation. Concerns
about administrator favoritism or unfair treatment would lead to lawsuits
that would further distract from the primary goal of providing education for
all students.

8. References
Anthony, D. (2014). Issues in Education. Sioux Falls, South Dakota: Publisher: Author.
Lewis, B. (n.d.). The Cons of Merit Pay for Teachers. About.com Elementary
Education. Retrieved July 18, 2014, from
http://k6educators.about.com/od/assessmentandtesting/a/meritypay_2.htm