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District Contact: Jenni Norlin-Weaver |
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Media Release |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Edina Public Schools to Host Alt Comp Celebration Edina, Minn., Oct. 9, 2008 – Edina Public Schools (EPS) is hosting an Alt Comp celebration on October 21 at 4:30 p.m. The event commends the District’s recent implementation of Alt Comp, a voluntary state program that provides incentive pay for high-performing teachers. The half-hour event will take place in the Edina High School Community Room (6754 Valley View Road, Edina, MN) and will feature a brief speech from Minnesota Education Commissioner Alice Seagren. Student musicians will perform prior to the ceremony. Alt Comp, referred to as Q Comp at the state level, was enacted by the Legislature in July of 2005 by Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Districts approved for Q Comp receive an extra $260 per student to help implement the initiative. Over the next two years, Alt Comp will bring EPS more than $2.5 million in additional state funding. Alt Comp enhances student learning by supporting educators and rewarding them for their efforts. As part of the program, teachers work with instructional coaches to develop professional growth plans. Coaches observe teachers throughout the year and provide feedback and support. Teachers who meet or exceed their goals receive incentive pay at the end of the year. EPS will test its Alt Comp program for two years before deciding if it wants to permanently adopt the model. The Minnesota Department of Education is a strong advocate of the growing program. “Q Comp is a modern and professional way to pay teachers, allowing them to enhance and improve their skills, which leads to increased student achievement,” said Commissioner Seagren. A total of 39 districts and 21 charter schools in Minnesota have been approved for Q Comp. In addition, 130 districts are currently in the application phase of the process. More information about Edina's Alt Comp program can be found at: http://www.edina.k12.mn.us/teach/staffdev/altcomp.html More information about Q Comp can be found at: http://education.state.mn.us/mde/index.html
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