August 21, 2005 Boston Globe Letter to the Editor
To the Editor:
Your editorial ("A test in Springfield," Aug.18) seriously misrepresents the merit-pay proposal made to Springfield teachers.
First, it is important to understand that the proposal came from the Romney-appointed Finance Control Board and that it represents the governor's sorry education agenda.
Second, the proposal, which the Globe says "could be a model," contains virtually no details. It is truly a "pig in a poke." What we do know is that a teacher's "merit" would be gauged by student scores on math and English tests. Only 32.4 percent of teachers would be eligible. Consequently, if more than a third of the teachers reach the standards, some will be arbitrarily denied the extra pay - no matter how meritorious their performance.
The board continues to dismiss as a detail to be worked out later how teachers of music, art, science, health, drama, social studies, and so on, will be eligible for the additional pay, since the increase depends on student tests scores in subjects they don't teach.
Most crucial, the FCB plan could hurt children. With test-based bonuses at stake, who would want to teach those who, because of social, emotional and cultural issues, most need the attention of excellent teachers?
Timothy T. Collins
President, Springfield Education Association