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Evaluating the Impact of the Texas Teacher Incentive Allotment on Student Absenteeism and Outcomes

Principal Investigator

Jacob Kirksey – Texas Tech University

Project Description

This study evaluates the impact of the Texas Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA)—a statewide merit-based teacher pay policy—on student absenteeism and academic outcomes. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines statewide longitudinal administrative data with survey and qualitative data to examine both overall impacts and underlying mechanisms. The quantitative component will use methods such as synthetic control and value-added modeling to compare outcomes between TIA-designated and non-TIA schools, while controlling for selection bias and confounding factors. The qualitative component will include interviews and focus groups with teachers, administrators, and families to explore how teacher practices and engagement strategies may influence attendance. The study will analyze data from millions of students statewide, with deeper qualitative analysis focused on a sample of approximately 30,000 students and 300 teachers in Lubbock ISD, and will examine variation in impacts across school contexts and student subgroups.

Research Questions

  • What is the impact of the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) on student absenteeism and academic performance?
  • How do the effects of TIA on absenteeism vary across school contexts (e.g., grade level, urbanicity)?
  • What teacher engagement and communication strategies associated with TIA contribute to reductions in absenteeism?

Status

In Progress

Study Type

QED

Grantee

Texas Tech University

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Young boy sits in desk at school

Courtesy of TalkingPoints

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