Audit: Teacher pay program needs better oversight

Pawlenty
Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Education Commissioner Alice Seagren announce an education reform proposal last year in Moorhead.
MPR Photo/Than Tibbetts

A report by the Legislative Auditor on Minnesota's pay-for-performance program for teachers says the Department of Education should be more consistent in its oversight and administration of the program.

The report released Tuesday says the application review process for Q Comp has several weaknesses, and auditors recommend changes to improve the process.

The report found that administrators in Q Comp schools like the program, but that teachers have more mixed opinions about it.

The Office of the Legislative Auditor also says there's not enough existing data to show whether Q Comp has an effect on student achievement.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty has proposed expanding Q Comp to all public and charter schools in the state.

The audit will be discussed at a Senate committee meeting Tuesday morning.

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