I would say if they advertised that their teachers would be making 100k for 07-08 and that every job is open to the best candidate(meaning no current teacher is guaranteed a position), I would bet my house the test scores would improve.
You really think that if we took the best 40 teachers from Texas, or whichever state is the best, and put them at the school with the absolute worst kids (scores) that those kids would suddenly be the best, or even significantly better?
I guess I am a pessimist, but I just dont see kids from bad parental situations turning around due to highly paid teachers. I guess I am saying that unless you get some really hot, middle aged woman to work miracles in the classroom (michelle pfeiffer), socioeconomics, and parental involvement make all the difference, not teacher pay..