There are many reform efforts underway in schools throughout the U.S. to improve the teaching workforce. Most of these efforts focus on a particular area of improvement such as increasing professional development opportunities for teachers, or providing incentives such as signing bonuses or loan forgiveness to new teachers entering the classroom. Many reforms are making an impact in a small way; however, they do not provide the comprehensive approach that is needed.

After an extensive review of the research on school improvement efforts as well as years of working with talented teachers, the Milken Family Foundation recognized the need for a multi-faceted strategy that restructures schools in order to improve the teaching profession.

As a result, Lowell Milken and the Milken Family Foundation created TAP™: The System for Teacher and Student Advancement, a comprehensive school reform system that provides powerful opportunities for career advancement, professional growth, instructionally focused accountability and competitive compensation for educators. Through the implementation of four interrelated key elements, teachers are improving their instruction and the achievement of their students. The four elements are:

• Multiple career paths
• Ongoing applied professional growth
• Instructionally focused accountability
• Performance-based Compensation

In order to learn more about the research behind the Four Elements of TAP, read Research Supporting TAP's Elements.