When the Board of Education adopted the strategic plan in July 2009, it acknowledged the need for and benefits of a system of “competitive compensation and incentives for achieving student academic excellence.”

A broad-based committee explored performance-pay programs around the country, examined the research around these initiatives and determined that the APEX system would promote four major objectives—comprising our Theory of Action as part of the district’s comprehensive improvement efforts.

Our Theory of Action lays the foundation for a strategic compensation system that incents and rewards the types of inputs and outcomes that support greater student academic achievement and growth.

A collaborative design team engaged a variety of external and internal stakeholders, particularly teachers, to develop APEX’s structure, offering multiple opportunities for idea-sharing and feedback through community forums, focus groups, teacher survey and listening tour sessions.

The APEX system has been carefully designed to reflect the goal of increased student learning by providing professional development opportunities for teachers to enhance their instruction; serve in leadership roles and mentor peers; and better support students in high-needs schools.

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