Algiers to try teacher enhancement program
By City Business

May 31 , 2006

NEW ORLEANS – Algiers Charter School Association officials are implementing a national reform program for teachers, one already being used in five parishes across the state.
The Teacher Advancement Program was launched by the Milken Family Foundation in 1999 and is now operated by the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching. According to education officials, TAP is a comprehensive reform that restructures schools to offer teachers career paths with opportunities for more responsibility and pay; ongoing applied professional growth and development regularly during the school day; accountability incorporating fair evaluations based on research-based standards and performance-based compensation allowing for salaries and bonuses to be tied to responsibilities; classroom performance and student achievement growth.
“TAP is the engine that is going to help drive our teachers and our students into a better and stronger educational environment,” said Brian Riedlinger, CEO of the Algiers Charter School Association.
With the addition of the six Algiers charter schools, there are 39 schools in Jefferson, East Baton Rouge, Rapides, Caddo and Calcasieu parishes using TAP. There are more than 125 TAP schools.