A comprehensive study of Denver Public Schools current and recently retired teachers quickly became a change-agent for Superintendent of Schools Jerry Wartgow. The study was conducted January-March 2002 and included focus groups and a scientific survey.

The survey, titled Survey of DPS Teachers Concerning Recruitment and Retention of New Teachers, was the first study that took a comprehensive, scientific approach to determine the views of current and recently retired teachers regarding the best methods to attract and retain quality teachers.

Among the results making news is Wartgow's use of the study during contract negotiations with Denver Classroom Teachers Association this year. As the Rocky Mountain News reported May 29, 2002: "In the wake of the study, the district took teachers' advice to let newcomers know not only that they had been hired but where they would work."

In addition, when the study found that teachers consider $3,000-$5,000 the lowest bonus that might entice a teacher to a school with poor test scores, DPS authorized schools to offer $5,000 signing bonuses, using state funds for teacher incentive pay. Click here to learn more about the study.

[top] [archives] [home] [send this page to a friend]