As a result of the National Education Association’s endorsement, school districts begin to pay teachers based on a district-wide schedule linked to years of experience and education level rather than on individually negotiated salaries. By 1951, 98 percent of teachers will be paid according to a schedule. This change is seen by teachers as a significant professional advancement. More recently, educational reformers have proposed that teacher salaries be based on a merit system, in which compensation would increase when teachers reach certain standards of performance.