NCPI co-sponsored a national symposium entitled, Differentiated Compensation in Education: A Symposium on Practical Applications and Lessons Learned, on November 9th and 10th in Houston, Texas. The symposium addressed differentiated compensation plans for educators in both Texas and nationally, with a focus on lessons learned, current research findings, and future directions for performance pay programs. A broad spectrum of stakeholders attended, including educators from across the country, researchers, policy makers, and foundation officials, allowing for meaningful discussion among those in the research, policy and practice communities.

Panels included discussion of strategic compensation programs designed by several Texasdistricts participating in the District Awards for Teacher Excellence (D.A.T.E.) program, and how strategic compensation relates to teacher quality, market competitiveness, and student achievement. The keynote speaker was Jo Anderson, Jr., the Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Education at the U.S. Department of Education.

The symposium was hosted by the Houston Independent School District, Battelle for Kids, the Institute for Public School Initiatives at the University of Texas, and the Texas Education Agency. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was a co-sponsor.