Chicago TAP Fact Sheet

Research demonstrates that the quality of a student's classroom teacher ranks as the most important school-related factor for helping him or her succeed in school. Recognizing this research, the Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Teacher's Union, Chicago Principals and Administrators Association and The Chicago Public Education Fund have embarked on a five-year program to dramatically increase student achievement. How? By helping schools build the best teacher corps possible.

The program, known as Chicago TAP, is based on the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching's Teacher Advancement Program (TAP). It has been customized for Chicago and represents a comprehensive and aligned system of performance based compensation, classroom observations, job-embedded professional development and school-based career opportunities for teachers and principals.

Program Specifics:

• In November 2006, a five-year federal grant, secured with the assistance of the Joyce Foundation and The Chicago Public Education Fund, funded a pilot project that would involve 40 of the highest-need, regular and charter schools in the Chicago Public School system, affecting about 24,000 students, 1000+ teachers and 40 principals
• Eligible schools have at least 75 percent of their students receiving free or reduced-price lunch and at least 75 percent of their faculty must vote to participate. Schools also are evaluated on their need and readiness, with contributing criteria including teacher qualifications, experience and turnover; student attendance and achievement; and leadership capacity
• Offers a roadmap for good teaching and ongoing instructional support, and nurtures a professional learning community that encourages sharing best practices across each school
• Built on the belief that improved instruction produce increased learning gains

Professional Development:

• A restructured school day allows for at least 50-to-90 minutes of weekly common planning time led by lead and mentor teachers
• Teachers participate in multiple classroom observations each year with structured feedback by trained members of each school’s leadership team
• As a result of the professional compensation pilot program, teachers can advance professionally and earn higher salaries, just as in other careers. And they can do so without leaving the classroom where they are needed most
  Lead and mentor teachers with increased leadership roles are compensated for their added responsibility