A total of 33 sites, including states, school districts, charter school coalitions, and other education organizations make up Cohorts 1 and 2 of the Teacher Incentive Fund (TIF). These sites received funds beginning in the fall of 2006 and spring of 2007 to redesign compensation programs for teachers and principals. The U.S. Department of…

The practice of paying students to earn good grades either in class or on standardized achievement tests has touched off a storm of controversy. Praised by some educators as a way of linking economic rewards to school performance, it is being tested in a number of large cities, such as New York, Baltimore and Chicago, as well as some smaller…

Briefly described are 15 projects originally funded by the State of Maine as early childhood education plans, subsequently evaluated as successful and instituted by local units as part of a regular school program. After each program description, the names, telephone numbers, and addresses of contact persons are provided. (RH)

This newsletter summarizes the debate on the use of state-level initiatives as levers to effect fundamental changes in higher education. It provides several perspectives on the use of incentive/enhancement programs to achieve state higher education goals. The concept of budgetary leverage is outlined, and the growth in enhancement programs…

Sample materials drawn from the Allegheny Conference Education Fund's small grants for teachers program in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania are provided. The program is described as one which provides small grants (approximately $500) to help teachers explore new techniques and develop innovative educational projects. Materials used to publicize the…