I was surprised to see Marijane Monck’s attack on my research ("Attack on Md. school funding traced to Hogan and fellow Republicans,” July 11) and can only conclude that the writer, a public school teacher in Maryland, did not do her homework and actually read the findings on Maryland’s public education system.

The in-depth analysis for the Maryland Public Policy Institute concludes that Maryland should increase compensation for its highest-performing teachers (“More misguided spending will not fix Maryland’s schools,” June 24). If Ms. Monck disagrees, she should explain to her fellow teachers why they are undeserving.

The institute also found that a rapidly growing share of taxpayer dollars earmarked for education is being siphoned away from teachers and instead rewards administrators with no responsibility for educating children. Again, the institute's critic may wish to explain to teachers why public funds should be shifted out of their paychecks to reward staff with no role educating students.

One of the best ways to improve student performance in Maryland is to incentivize high-performing teachers and give them freedom from administrators to be creative in the classroom. Promoting student excellence means reducing administrative bloat and empowering teachers, not government.

James V. Shuls, St. Louis, Mo.

The writer is an assistant professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.