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TRIO Wolf Creek Distance Learning Charter School, Chisago City, will implement a Q Comp performance and professional pay program for its teaching staff.

TRIO becomes the tenth charter school in the state to participate in Q Comp and will receive $23,140 in state aid to implement the program during the 2006-07 school year.

Commisioner of Education Alice Seagren visited the school Nov. 9 to discuss the implementation with staff members, including Director Tracy Quarnstrom, Brenda Swanson and Stacy Bender and Student Council representatives Becky Nadeau and Cassie Chilefone.

Last year, Governor Tim Pawlenty proposed the Q Comp plan, which was then approved by the state legislature. It provides up to $86 milion for districts that join.

Q Comp is designed to advance the teaching profession by providing structured professional development and evaluation, as well as an alternative pay schedule that compenstates teachers based on performance, not just seniority.

The program brings together career advancement, professional development and compensation linked to academic achievement.

It includes a locally agreed-upon peer evaluation process for every teacher that is based on skills, responsibilies and student academic growth. This plan is voluntary and will add another $260 per student in participating districts.

There are 32 school districts across Minnesota with the Q Comp program already in place. Another 134 districts have indicated they are planning on applying for inclusion by the 2007-08 school year.

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