Thornton's results
If ever there were a validation of the work that teachers do and the need to increase salaries, training and support for teachers, it can be found in the MGT report that was released yesterday at a news conference in Annapolis.
The report, written by a consultant hired by the Maryland General Assembly for just under $3 million, says that about half the Thornton money was spent on increasing salaries and benefits. The result of all the money was a marked increase in the scores of students in reading and math.
The report also gives details of a survey of what 16,000 teachers in the state said they think works. They believe the best practices should include cooperative planning among teachers and teacher analysis of data. Not surprisingly, the survey also says it helps to make sure teachers are qualified and have a good principal.
Baltimoresun.com's 
Comments
The MGT report is not based on survey data from 16,000 teachers, as has been widely (an incorrectly) reported. The report is based on responses from a non-representative group of about 10,000 (or less than 20 percent of all teachers in Maryland). See the report for more detailed information about the actual response patterns.
Posted by: Bruce Haslam | January 8, 2009 12:37 PM
If the increase in spending has provided significant progress in the area of educational achievements, why has there been no increase in the SAT scores for Maryland? When Maryland creates its own test (MSA/HSA) to measure progress, the results of these tests are not a good yardstick to measure imrovement.
Posted by: Anonymous | January 12, 2009 11:36 AM