Strengthening the profession? A comparison of recent reforms in the UK and the USA

Educational policy makers in many countries recognise the need to focus their policies more directly on factors affecting the quality of teachers. Common to these policies are attempts to reform teachers' pay systems and career paths to place greater value on teachers' work and give stronger incentives for professional development. Investing in effective modes of on going professional learning is regarded increasingly as one of the most effective means of improving student learning outcomes. In this ACER policy brief, Lawrence Ingvarson examines recent reforms in the UK and the US.