Prepaid cards to reward better teachers
The US-based 'TeacherDollars' rewards programme, which donates special-purpose debit cards to teachers in Hartford Public Schools that have demonstrated marked improvement in student academic achievement, has announced that it is to reward some 880 teachers at 22 schools in September 2010, a significant increase over 2009.
The prepaid cards will have a value of US$200 which can be used to purchase instructional supplies. The cards work only at selected merchants which provide classroom-related products, such as educational and office supply stores.
"We're pleased that so many more schools are meeting or exceeding improvement standards," commented Hartford Public Schools Superintendent Steven J. Adamowski. "The goal of this programme is to reward teachers for their dedication to student success."
The 22 schools selected for programme recognition were chosen on the basis of having raised their Hartford Public School Overall School Index by more than 4 points. The OSI measures significant gains on key indicators of school progress, including results on Connecticut Mastery Test and the Connecticut Academic Performance Test. Last year, 525 teachers at 13 schools received TeacherDollars reward cards.
"The TeacherDollars programme is a good example of the local business community's commitment to the success of the school system," said Bob Patricelli, chairman & CEO for programme operator Evolution Benefits. "Today's students will be tomorrow's workforce - and it's critical that we take an active role in supporting our schools."
Local businesses, organisations, and individuals are invited to make donations toward the rewards. The teachers will be rewarded with the TeacherDollars Card at a special event to be held on 15th September 2010.
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