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Saturday, November 20, 2010

Economists want to stop teachers' degree bonuses - Boston.com

Economists want to stop teachers' degree bonuses - Boston.com

Economists want to stop teachers' degree bonuses

By Donna Gordon Blankinship
Associated Press / November 20, 2010
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SEATTLE—Every year, American schools pay more than $8.6 billion in bonuses to teachers with master's degrees, even though the idea that a higher degree makes a teacher more effective has been mostly debunked.

Despite more than a decade of research showing the money has little impact on student achievement, state lawmakers and other officials have been reluctant to tackle this popular way for teachers to earn more money.

That could soon change, as local school districts around the country grapple with shrinking budgets.

Just this week, U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said the economy has given the nation an opportunity to make dramatic improvements in the

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