The Denver public school system has a radical concept — pay teachers based on how kids are performing and not how long they’ve been in a classroom! If voters approve a property tax hike tomorrow, new teachers coming into the system will now receive raises based on student achievement, not tenure. In a shocking development, this plan was approved by 59% of union members!

The Professional Compensation System, or ProComp, is described as follows:

Under ProComp, teachers would earn a base salary of $33,301, with raises built into four categories: knowledge and skills, the evaluation, market incentives and student growth.

Additional money could be earned for meeting student achievement objectives or for exceeding expectations on statewide tests. Eventually, teachers in the ProComp system could make about $33,000 more annually at the end of their careers than teachers in the current system, organizers say.

Only new teachers would have to follow this plan. Teachers already employed by the Denver school system have the option of sticking with the current plan. So, don’t worry, Mr. Football Coach/History Teacher. You don’t need to put away your VCR and your tapes of “Field of Dreams” and “Stand and Deliver” that you use as educational viewing. Your mediocrity is safe.

One opponent of the proposed changes states that, “Your evaluation is based on your principal, who may or may not like you.” Ummm, I think that’s how things go in most occupations.

I am in favor of this tax increase, as the money is specifically earmarked and apparently will result in a better product. I look forward to watching the ProComp system if it passes to track its effects.