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Houston teacher pay tied to student test scores

Houston became the largest school district in the country Thursday to adopt a merit-pay plan for teachers that focuses on students' tests scores.

By a 9-0 vote, the Houston school board approved a plan that offers teachers up to $3,000 in extra pay if their students improve on state and national tests. The program could provide up to $10,000 in merit pay for teachers.

The vote came after several teachers said they believed the plan was unfair because some teachers would be eligible for larger bonuses than others. Starting teachers in Houston make about $36,000 a year. The average salary in the district is about $45,000.