HB 3038 - DIGEST

     Finds that:  (1) Washington state has made considerable progress in the area of education reform.  The state will soon require our public school students to meet performance-based standards to progress through the education system.

     (2) Because the state is requiring students to pass tough assessments, our teachers will be required to bring students to the educational level necessary to graduate.

     (3) Historically, teachers have been compensated based on their length of service and level of education.  This offers little financial incentive for teachers to find innovative and creative methods of teaching.

     (4) Districts must have flexibility to reward exceptional teachers who are also willing to acquire skills important to the districts' learning goals.

     Declares an intent to offer a performance pay incentive to a number of teachers who are exceptional in the classroom and have an extraordinary and positive impact on student learning.

     Provides that by December 1, 2002, the Washington institute for public policy shall provide an interim report to appropriate committees of the legislature on the impact of the performance pay incentive plan in this act.

     Provides that by December 1, 2003, the Washington institute for public policy shall provide a final report to appropriate committees of the legislature on the impact of the performance pay incentive plan in this act.