Story in today's paper

Schools look at ways to keep teachers in class

THE STAR-Two local school boards are exploring plans to keep teachers in the classroom.

A recent study, which showed a link between declining student achievement and teacher absences, says that one of the plans on the table — paying teachers who do not use personal leave or sick days — can help.

The August 2007 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research showed that 10 days of teacher absences reduces student achievement in math.

The study cites other studies that show the rate of teacher absences drops when schools offer bonuses for not using leave.

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