% of effective teachers in schools with high rates of children at risk of remaining in poverty.
Definition
Why Is This Important?
Research demonstrates that teachers play the most significant role in improving a child's in-school, academic performance. This is particularly true for low-income students who have access to the most effective teachers. Frequently, schools serving high rates of low-income children lack face challenges attracting effective teachers. As a result, it is important to ensure schools serving the highest rates of children experiencing intergenerational poverty employ Utah's most effective teachers.
Explanation for the Indicator
In 2017, the Utah Legislature approved House Bill 212, the "Incentive for Effective Teachers in High Poverty Schools." This legislation provides a pay incentive for teachers employed in a schools where either (i) at least 20% of the students are experiencing intergenerational poverty; or (ii) at least 70% qualify for free or reduced school lunch. Teachers eligible in these schools must achieve a median growth percentile on students achievement tests of at least 70 in the previous school year. At this time, there is no baseline data for the number of teachers achieving this goal.