Variable Remuneration Policy Of São Paulo Education Network: An Evaluation Of The 20 Years Of The Teaching

Abstract

This paper analyzes the variable remuneration policy (Merit Bonus and Outcome Bonus) adopted by the Education Department of the State of São Paulo as the payment to the teaching staff of the São Paulo network since 2000. In order to make a critical balance of two decades of this policy existence, a bibliographical- documental research was developed which analyzed the national and international literature on the subject and the reports of the agencies of the Public Management Department responsible for technical support and monitoring of the Outcome Bonus. Semi-structured interviews with school teachers and principals were also analyzed. The bibliographical analysis indicated that the policies of variable remuneration do not lead to significant changes that could legitimize its use as a public policy; the analysis of the reports highlighted their little effectiveness in improving the student performance, indicating the need to review the model adopted in Sao Paulo; and lastly, the interviews showed the discredit of the teachers with this policy and the negative repercussions for their work. Thus, it is concluded that the bonus policy has not served to increase student performance, and, even less, to improve the quality of education in the State of São Paulo.