Strategies are ways for learners to solve problems encountered in constructing meaning in

any context. Unlike skills, strategies chosen by learners are modified to fit the demands of the

learning situation. Strategic learners know how and when to alter, modify, combine, and test

individual strategies against their prior knowledge, beliefs, and experiences. Strategy teaching

does not require commercial materials, nor does it need to be a separate part of the curriculum; it

does not consist of “tricks” or isolated activities. Rather, strategic instruction is a process that

involves teaching students to read using procedures used by good readers, to write using

approaches used by good writers, and to problem solve using techniques used by good problem

solvers. In an effort to make appropriate decisions about the steps to take to in order to improve

the current educational situation in the Bibb County Public School System the following

suggestions are being made regarding strategies to improve the curricular programs, community

standards, as well as to provide a rationale for the strategies recommended.

With Bibb County seeking out new ways to take corrective actions in order to see

improvements in the systems Adequately Yearly Progress, measure are being examined,

implemented and determined in order to gain progress. One of the major ways for the system to

see improvement is to develop not only principals as leaders, but to develop leadership teams

throughout the schools and to have schools who are making the grade share strategies across the

system to enhance those schools who are not. Many schools in the system are competitive

academically, however; if the system is to improve, there should be mandatory monthly meetings

of teachers in group of eight to ten. These teachers should discuss issues as if they are serving the

same children with different type of learning styles.

Professional development is an important factor in how teachers are able to develop the

skills necessary to be knowledge about new learning material and how it should be implemented
in the classroom. Teachers should maintain a commitment to growing in areas that will help

them to achieve goals and objectives to meet the needs of their students. There is a low morale

for teachers in the Bibb county School System because the jobs of educators are often taken for

granted. When leaders focus on making sure their staff is not only professionally capable, but

happy when completing the task that goes along with the job, through staff gatherings outside of

work, this could very well improve teachers desire to do more for less.

Often time schools do not get involved with activities that are going on in the community.

Sometimes schools do not invite the community to be a part of the process. There are so many

organizations in the community that can be an asset to the school; there are strategies developed

to improve this relationship. One of the ways community and school can influence the other is

through programs that serve as an outlet for students when schools are not in session.

If we look at the idea of accountability we know that teachers are responsible for the

learning environment in the classrooms. If a teacher has high expectations for the students in the

class and the principal have high expectations for teacher. The standard that has been established

is higher expectations. Those expectations are passed on and students are rewarded for their

performance. In this sense teachers should welcome the idea of incentive pay. On the other hand,

there are teachers whose students do not score the 90% on the state exams and teachers who

students excel in this area. If we take a look at the teacher in the classroom whose students are

performing above level, we gladly give that teacher a pat on the shoulder. Then we ask the

question what is missing in classroom next door. This is where inequalities lie. Why? All

children are not the same, some teachers have more support from parents and discipline each

class is not the same.

 Many businesses and learning institutions across the world are creating ways to give their

employees incentives for job performance. Yet, many public schools systems resist the idea of

merit pay. They are concerned with maintaining control of pay schedules. Their argument is that

teachers’ evaluations are too subjective for merit pay to be fair. [ CITATION Rob05 \l 1033 ] This

point can be justified because all classrooms do not consist of students who come from homes

whose main focus is on education. So creating incentives can cause problems for administrators

who are determining who gets what.

Sen. Joe Haynes, said pay incentives have merit if they're distributed correctly. “I have

mixed emotions about it because some politics can get involved and when that occurs,

one teacher may get more than another because he or she is closer to the evaluating

authority," Haynes said."It's good to be completely subjective, but we all are measured by

performance. If that can be achieved, I'm in favor of it. [ CITATION Mie08 \l 1033 ]

A few years ago, given the opportunity to work in an Edison School, teachers were given

incentives for scores. However; the principal used a principle where all teachers qualified but

were given the incentive based on how well the class performed, this was then place on a scale.

If students performed on a scale of 100% teachers were given the maximum of the stipend, other

teachers were rewarded based on where their students measured on the state exam. The incentive

ranged from 3,000.00 dollars and the lowest being $500.00 dollars

Tradition emphasizes that teachers must earn their pay through years of service or

furthering their education, however, traditional teachers are no longer able to keep up with

modern teachers who are entering the teaching field and bringing new ideas and more productive

work experience for the students. Is it fair that the new teacher who has given of their time and
creativity to build a learn environment where students are learning and the teacher is facilitating

the learning environment compete with teacher who still believe in the “I talk you listen” way of

learning? New teacher will not be able to compete with seniority. However; incentives are a

good strategy to improving educational expectations from educators. The most effective way to

have an educator to work harder at accomplishing more would not be to blame them for the

uncontrollable, but to reward them for their efforts. It is an approach that will see more results as

oppose to shining in on weaknesses. By creating a system of accountability that will call

attention to early intervention, peer analysis, and recognition of commendable teachers who

serve as mentors or lead teachers; will not only increase the willingness of the educator to be

most effective, but it will give educators the strategies that will allow students to accomplish

their goals of educating children.

Holland, R. (2005). Merit pay for teachers:Can common sense come. Virginia: Lexington Institute.

Mielczarek, N. (2008, March 5). Districts to decide teacher incentives. Retrieved Februray 24, 2009,

fromwww.tennessean.com:http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080105/NEWS0

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Power, D. (2007). Merit pay has its worth. House of representative press release, (pp. 1-2). Wasington
D.C.