Proposed changes in the Juab School District's career ladder program have created "quite an uproar," said Superintendent Kirk Wright.
Under the current career ladder plan, teachers can earn extra money by developing new programs for district use. Most teachers earn the money during the school year by developing the new programs in their spare time.Wright proposes eliminating current career ladder levels and adding additional days to teacher contracts for those working on career ladder projects. Projects would be developed during the summer under the proposed plan.
Wright said the proposal is partially in response to suggestions by Al Mamary, the developer of Outcome Based Education in Johnson City, N.Y., who suggested the need for additional teacher training. Wright said his decision is also based on the fact the current career ladder program is 10 years old and "it's time for a change."
Wright said there has been some initial protest from teachers who traditionally earn extra income with summer jobs while earning career ladder money during the regular school year. But he believes teachers will eventually go along with the proposed changes.
Part of the OBE model calls for decisions to be made by those who will be affected. Decisions should be made with the best knowledge available at the time. Leadership should not be top-driven but should bubble up. "Frankly, that just takes time," said Wright.
"We need to get some focus into our training," said Wright. The changes in career ladder need to be made, he said.
"We do have to write a new plan," said Wright.
The Juab Board of Education will have to approve any changes in the career ladder plan.