Another analysis finding that teachers who have advanced degrees aren't any more effective than teachers that don't have one is hardly news, but when the report is commissioned by a legislative task force looking at education funding, it may just be a shot heard around the world.

Washington State's Institute for Public Policy is recommending to the state legislature that the state should eliminate financial rewards embedded in the salary schedule that incentivize teachers to earn master's degrees. If the legislature were to act on such a recommendation the state could redirect funding to compensate teachers for being more effective, for teaching in high needs schools or for filling a shortage subject area. The possibilities are endless-- but so is the politics.

Another restless legislature in Florida is actually considering pulling the plug on state backed funds that currently give National Board teachers 10 percent bonuses--this is big news from a state that produced more Board-certified teachers than any other last year. Lawmakers are basing their proposal on a Calder study that was unable to link National Board certification to improved student performance. The news comes amidst pressure facing lawmakers to reduce spending for a projected budget shortfall in 2008.