Acrimony
Over School Performance Incentive Program
Gainesville, Florida - Governor Jeb Bush instituted a
reward-based system for schools that score well or show improvement on the
Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). Winning schools receive $100
per student the following school year. In schools where parents, teachers
and other school employees quickly agree on how to spend the money, it has
been a morale booster for all parties. However, in schools in which there
are differing philosophies about how the money should be used, the feuds
have resulted in pitting parents against teachers and teacher against
their support colleagues. The arguments develop because the money can be
spent in three ways: staff bonuses, educational equipment and new
personnel to aid learning. The situation has turned so ugly at some
schools that principals are saying they no longer want the money.
April 2003