Foley, HannahRaths, KatherineThompson, LindseyKorba, Amy J.2019-11-132019-11-132019-05-13https://hdl.handle.net/11299/208717Capstone paper for the fulfillment of the Master of Public Policy degree.Minnesota’s Quality Compensation program (Q Comp) is a unique initiative that seeks to provide districts with the tools to better support teachers in developing their professional practice. The program requires participants to utilize four specific components while still allowing wide flexibility in local design and implementation. Districts and charter schools seeking to adopt or amend Q Comp plans can learn from both the existing body of research and other districts’ experiences with implementation. This paper includes a literature review of each component individually, a summary of existing research about Q Comp specifically, and a synthesis of common themes from interviews with various school staff, union representatives and other local experts around the Twin Cities metro. Using that knowledge and an assessment of the current political landscape in the state, we conclude with five recommendations for districts. These recommendations apply to any district or charter school planning to adopt or amend a Q Comp plan. We recommend that districts or charter schools: ● Start the process by getting on the waiting list now. ● Teachers take the lead in writing the plan. ● Think about needs and professional development locally. ● Use opportunities for innovation, but also integrate into existing strategy. ● Be responsive and flexible about implementation.enUnderstanding Minnesota's Q Comp ProgramThesis or Dissertation