ANOKA, Minn. (AP) — The state’s largest school district, Anoka-Hennepin, is a step closer to joining the state’s alternative system for evaluating and paying teachers, called Q Comp.

District spokesman Brett Johnson says the district learned its application had been approved by the Department of Education on Jan. 3.

The proposal was supported by the local teachers union, but still must be ratified by its members. The school board must also sign off.

Districts participating in the program receive an additional $260 per student in state aid and additional levy authority. About a third of the state’s students will be taught by a teacher in the program next year.

Q Comp schools agree to a system of professional development and evaluation for teachers. It also links teacher pay to student test scores.

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