HOPE Rewards Act Passes House Committee

The Higher Outcomes in Performance and Education (HOPE) Rewards Act for Oklahoma teachers passed out of committee Wednesday.

House Bill 3390 will create a performance pay pilot program for up to 25 schools.

“In the 21st Century, Oklahoma must move past the days of paying teachers based solely on their years of service,” said author of the bill Rep. Lance Cargill, R-Harrah. “This bill offers hope and extra rewards for those teachers who are going the extra mile for our children. Our best teachers deserve more than just average pay.”

Performance pay for teachers is included on the House Republican agenda for this session.

“We want to empower teachers to take ownership of academic success in their classrooms,” said House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa.

Schools will apply to take part in the program, and those selected will be allowed to craft their plan according to local wants and needs. The plan would have to meet a certain set of criteria, but beyond that the operation will be up to the local school, said Rep. Tad Jones, chairman of the House Education Committee and a co-author of the bill.

“There are no mandates in this legislation—school districts can decide if they want to participate and if they do, they are able to craft a plan around their local needs,” said Jones, R-Claremore.

However, a House Democratic Caucus leader and vocal opponent of the Pay for Performance Plan on education expressed alarm regarding the bill.

“This bill does nothing to address the issues that are facing Oklahoma’s schools,” said Rep. Jerry McPeak, D-Warner. “The last thing we need to do is encourage schools to take up another program that will drain school budgets and demoralize our teachers.”

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