Devils and Details: Teacher Compensation Reform in a Climate of Uncertainty

• In Event: Roundtable Session 21
  In Roundtable Session: The Role of School Finance in the Pursuit of Equity

Abstract

This study uses a resource allocation framework and median voter theory to analyze 75 LEA compensation reform plans submitted to the North Carolina General Assembly in 2015. Analysis consisted of textual analysis, surveys, and interviews. Additional analysis used descriptive statistics to search for systematic relationships between pay plan components and district characteristics. Preliminary findings indicate LEAs were reluctant to propose dramatic change, that LEA size was associated with heightened reform components, and that fully bought in LEAs were working to influence debate and to develop their own idea to buffer their LEA from legislative fiat to determine local compensation.

Authors

• Clyde Harrelson, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

• Eric A. Houck, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

• Deborah Lynn Teitelbaum, NC Center for the Advancement of Teaching