5 Utah schools to test merit pay

SALT LAKE CITY — Five public schools will give educators the chance to earn up to $2,000 more this year as part of a pilot program to tie teacher pay to student results.

State lawmakers granted the schools $300,000 to develop the performance pay model. The plans reward 40 percent of the pay based on student achievement, 40 percent on teacher instruction and 20 percent on parent satisfaction.

Rep. Greg Hughes, a Draper Republican, says the program is a way for the state to reward teachers who strive for excellence.

The schools chosen for the pilot program are Ashman Elementary in Richfield, Manila Elementary in Pleasant Grove, Midway Elementary in Midway, Canyon Rim Academy in Salt Lake City and Wasatch Peak Academy in North Salt Lake.