Key Points:

  • Teacher pay for performance programmes are on the rise around the world.
  • Such incentive programmes are not new – they were used in Australia, Britain and Canada as far back as the mid-19th century.
  • Teacher pay for performance programmes are intended to target specific objectives, such as improving learner outcomes or accountability. They are usually, but not necessarily, financial in nature.
  • The design and implementation of teacher pay for performance programmes are crucial, since research has shown that they do not always increase teacher motivation to improve output.
  • There are many variables that need to be considered carefully prior to implementing a teacher pay for performance programme in order to boost its chances of success.