A new study by Ludger Woessman of the University of Munich finds that students in countries whose teachers can be paid more for outstanding performance outscore students from other countries. Students in countries with merit pay score approximately one-quarter of a standard deviation higher on the international math and reading tests, and about 15 percent higher on the science test, than students in countries without performance pay.

Please read, “Merit Pay International,” a new study by Ludger Woessmann that will appear in the Spring 2011 issue of Ed Next and is now available online.

The study is summarized in this press release.