By Tessa Belcher
Northeast News
June 8, 2011

Ten schools in the Kansas City Missouri School District will be receiving the PIONEER (Pay Incentives Based On Need for Excellent Education Reform) Grant.  This grant will give additional money to individual teachers based on students’ performance and growth.

“We want teachers to be accountable — this could do that,” said Andre Riley, KCMSD senior media relations specialist.

Teachers within participating schools voted to move this idea forward. At least 75 percent of faculty had to approve the idea in order to be eligible to receive the grant.

It’s not just something that’s being forced on the schools, Riley said.

Teachers receiving this grant will show worthiness in three areas: student and professional growth, along with their performance regarding attendance, safety, discipline and involvement.

Students contribute to the decision of the grant’s recipients through their growth based on assessments that include the Missouri Assessment, ACT and end of the year testing.  Participation in activities and observation of the students is also taken into account.

The ten schools in the KCMSD that will be receiving the PIONEER Grant will be announced this evening during the school board meeting at the district office.