Teachers Union: Files Complaint on Bonus Program

[TheCat]

The state's largest teachers union filed a complaint Monday over a program that rewards teachers for high scores on college admissions tests, saying the "Best and Brightest" bonuses discriminate on the basis of age and race.

The charges, filed by the Florida Education Association with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Florida Commission on Human Relations, come weeks before lawmakers are set to consider extending the bonus program, which was added to the state budget during a June special session.

http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/blog/morning-edition/2015/12/florida-teachers-union-files-complaint-against.html

[mbwright]

You know, your SAT/ACT score really determines your effectiveness of teaching.   .

[FlaBoy]

You know, your SAT/ACT score really determines your effectiveness of teaching.   .

I think there could be an ADEA claim here but very unlikely Title VII claim. If a federal court held that the SAT/ACT had a disparate impact, then the tests would be thrown out. Then, don't all standardized tests have a disparate impact whether the LSAT, MCAT, and even the Florida Bar Exam. There is a case to be made but I think a hard one since those who defend the case will have to argue that standardized testing is a necessary benchmark, but is also not the only factor used in giving these bonuses. The idea of bonuses being limited is also interesting since it is not limiting employment.

I think the Legislature is trying to attract better applicants to the teaching profession since everyone claims that teachers ceilings are too low pay wise to attract or keep the best.

[coredumped]

Better question is why are any of them getting bonuses?

[FlaBoy]

Better question is why are any of them getting bonuses?

um. because that is part of their contract and how they make a living?

And they are already way underpaid.

Its not like they have all of our futures in their hands or anything.

^

[acme54321]

I'm not sure how the teacher's score on an SAT or ACT would matter in earning bonus.  Shouldn't that be based on something like.. I don't know... In classroom performance?

I'm not sure how it discriminates against African American or Latinos though?  I could see the age thing.

[FlaBoy]

I'm not sure how the teacher's score on an SAT or ACT would matter in earning bonus.  Shouldn't that be based on something like.. I don't know... In classroom performance?

I'm not sure how it discriminates against African American or Latinos though?  I could see the age thing.

It is just a means for attracting higher performing teachers especially in the sciences. If they scored in the top 10% of all SAT test takers then they are eligible for additional bonuses IF they see success in the performance of their students. It is simply a recruiting tool.

Many studies have shown that the SAT or ACT are biased because they use names like Sally or Joey, and situations in suburbia, which white people are more familiar with.

[mtraininjax]

um. because that is part of their contract and how they make a living?

And they are already way underpaid.

Its not like they have all of our futures in their hands or anything.

+1

They really are the backbone of the core values of our society. What kids learn in K-12 is a basic for life.

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

I'm not sure how the teacher's score on an SAT or ACT would matter in earning bonus.  Shouldn't that be based on something like.. I don't know... In classroom performance?

I'm not sure how it discriminates against African American or Latinos though?  I could see the age thing.

Off the top of my head, I'd say that it's safer to use a 3rd party, standardized test rather than something that the teacher would have direct control over - such as grades. 

My guess is that the discrimination would play a part due to lower rates of blacks and latinos choosing to attend college,  I would guess this is tied more to economics than race, but it's just a guess.