Finally, the study identified nine points districts should follow to ensure success in a school-based performance program:

• Provide feedback on results of past assessments to help teachers refine curriculum and instruction.

• Make sure that school-based performance award program goals do not compete with other school goals.

• Institutionalize a consistent source of funding for school-based performance awards.

• Set the bonus amount high enough to compensate for increased stress and hours worked.

• Involve teachers in the design and implementation process so they help decide the improvement levels sought and the program mechanics.

• Measure every performance goal in a systematic, valid and realizable way.

• Select equitable measures that address student mobility, students with disabilities, limited English proficient students, students from low-income back-grounds, etc., to calculate awards.

• Attain the principal’s active support.

• Evaluate and adjust the school-based performance award program as needed.