|
ADE’s Program Mission
To provide leadership and assistance to
school districts to meet requirements of continued
incentive funding for retention of teachers.
Career Ladder Goals
- Impact Student Achievement
- Motivate Educators to Improve Skills
- Attract, Retain, and Reward Exemplary Educators
- Promote Collegiality
|
 |
Overview
The Arizona Career Ladder Program is a performance-based compensation plan that provides incentives to teachers in 28 districts around the state who choose to make career advancements without leaving the classroom or the profession.
The participating districts are required to comply with requirements established in ARS §15-918. While the state requires that a number of basic elements be included in the local plan, each district may develop specific details that meet its unique needs.
Through ongoing evaluation, districts continue to evaluate and refine the required elements to suit their circumstances. In order to ensure compliance in all areas, the State Career Ladder Advisory Committee annually reviews each district plan. The State Board of Education provides final program approval. ADE staff provides technical assistance to district personnel in the administration of their programs.
Program Description
Career Ladder plans are intended to increase student
academic achievement by attracting and retaining talented
teachers. Teachers are recognized and compensated
for their excellence and are motivated to perform
at increasingly higher skill levels.
Career Ladder programs promote and support the professional
development of teachers. The Career Ladder design
requires a completely different way of evaluating
and compensating teachers. Rather than advancing on
a salary schedule as a result of seniority and educational
credits, teachers are paid according to their level
of skill attainment and demonstrated student academic
progress.
Legislation requires that all new teachers in Career
Ladder districts be evaluated for placement on the
Career Ladder. Once evaluated, new teachers may choose
not to participate for the following year. Teachers
not choosing to participate in the Career Ladder Program
remain on the district’s traditional salary
schedule.
The program supports and encourages collaboration and
teamwork, and provides opportunities for leadership and
professional growth, with Career Ladder teachers participating
in higher-level instructional responsibilities within
their districts. The program also allows districts to
apply to implement an additional incentive program for
other personnel at the school district level and provides
awards based upon group, team, school or district.
Program Impact
 |
Twenty-eight (28) districts representing diversity in size, location and student populations participate in the program. The first fourteen were phased-in over three years beginning FY 1985-86. Seven districts received approval to budget for a program beginning in FY 1992-93 and seven districts began participation in FY 1993-94. There has been no new funding appropriation for additional district participation since FY 93-94. |
28
of the state’s 200-plus districts participate in
the Career Ladder Program
Approximately
31% of the state’s 865,000 students attend schools
in Career Ladder districts
Approximately
40% of the state’s 43,000 teachers are employed
in Career Ladder districts
Approximately
70% of eligible teachers participate in the Career Ladder
Program
Career Ladder Links
Contact Information
Academic Achievement Division
Arizona Department of Education
1535 West Jefferson Street, Bin 45
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Beth Driscoll, NBCT
Email: beth.driscoll@azed.gov
Phone: 602-364-2191
Fax: 602-542-1141
