Branstad says he supports merit pay raises for Iowa teachers

Gov. Terry Branstad says he will propose linking teacher pay raises to classroom performance as part of an education reform package he will send to the next Legislature.

Top legislators of both parties say they're willing to consider that plan, and both sides agree the issue will take center stage when lawmakers convene in January.

Their comments in interviews with The Associated Press came as state education officials released a report Thursday showing 13 states posted higher reading skills for fourth graders than did Iowa, which once led the nation in that area.

On Monday, Branstad will host an education summit that will include state and national leaders.

State Education Department director Jason Glass says the new report shows other states are moving more aggressively than Iowa to improve schools.