Questions to ask before implementing an alternative pay system

Shared goals

• Achievement: What do we hope to see in terms of student achievement? What is a reasonable expectation for improvement and in what areas? 
• Instruction: In what ways do teachers and the district want or expect professional practice to change under ATPPS? What new or additional steps will we be willing to take to improve practice?
• Compensation: What behaviors or outcomes do we want to compensate under alterative compensation? How will instruction translate into earning additional salary for teachers? Will a new system result in higher pay?
• How important is it to improve teaching and learning? How important is the additional revenue? (Can the above goals be met without adopting ATPPS? How?)

Capacity for meaningful professional development

• What specific programs or strategies are the district and local union already doing to enhance and build meaningful professional growth?
• How will we build on existing systems, processes and relationships?
• Is there an existing evaluation system for teachers? How well is it working? Do outcomes from evaluation link back to instructional practice?
• What changes are the district and teachers willing to make to the school day and year to allow for collaboration and other professional development activities?

Decision-making process

• How will membership and responsibilities in the joint oversight committee be determined?
• What steps will be taken to ensure that all communication with the Minnesota Department of Education is made and received jointly?
• Is there consensus about whether the plan will be district-wide or site-by-site?
• What process will be followed if either the district or union determines that they will no longer participate?
• What steps will we take to assess the union membership’s willingness to proceed with ATPPS throughout the process?
• What steps will both the union and district take to ensure that the plan is inclusive of all eligible staff, including specialists, counselors, nurses, etc.?

District communication and administration systems

• How will data be gathered, analyzed and used to support decision-making on instructional and compensation-related issues?
• How will questions by staff be answered during the planning and implementation process of an ATPPS plan?
• How will the district and union communicate with the public about the development and implementation of a plan?

Finances (revenue and expenditure decisions)

• Will the district levy the full or partial amount for ATPPS?
• How will we keep dollars closest to the students?
• How do we maximize the revenue going to compensation and minimize administrative overhead?
• Will other sources of funds (i.e., staff development or general fund money) be used to supplement ATPPS revenue? How will those decisions be reached?