Being Paid for grades

Question

Up to 5,000 freshmen at 20 Chicago public high schools will get cash for good—and even average—grades as part of a new, Harvard-designed test program that city education leaders are rolling out Thursday.
Students will be measured every five weeks in math, English, social sciences, science and physical education. An A nets $50, a B equals $35 and a C still brings in $20. Students will get half the money upfront, with the remainder paid upon graduation. A straight-A student could earn up to $4,000 by the end of his or her sophomore year.

Do you think this is a good or bad thing and why?

122 Tactical Fighter Group · Answer

I am also an Eagle Scout and quite proud of it - and I think my work with my own boys and the others has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. Those other parents are missing so much - and your tale brought a tear to my eye....I have also seen great young men crushed by thoughtless parents ..... you can never get those days back ..............

paul300 · Answer

Totally with you.

VicUser · Answer

try not type, geez

VicUser · Answer

I know this sounds cold, I am all for helping those that can't provide for themselves because of a real physical or mental condition, but as long as we reward those that don't type we will never escape this problem.

I think there needs to be a way for those that work and try, but are strugling, to get a helping hand, as long as they continue to try to be self supportive.

paul300 · Answer

"Life unfortunately is not fair." Pessimistic? Yes. But this country offers anyone the chance to live their dreams. Can an inner city school kid become a doctor, lawyer, teacher, politician (ugh), trades skill??? Absolutely, but when they are taught little about values and hope from parents that don't care, thats sad. I may have mentioned this before, one of my employees is from India and he cannot understand why so many people in our country fail to capture the American dream. When I travel to other 3rd world countries, I realize how great we Americans possess in terms of opportunities. Yes the economy needs help, but the fed is not going to solve this problem alone. 

Both sides need to find common ground on how to help the people that really need the assistance to better themselves into a normal life. Unfortunately, thats a HUGE chasm at the moment. ;-)

VicUser · Answer

I too have been involved with Scouting, both of my sons are Eagle Scouts, and you are correct. I found that the boys that do the best have at least one parent that is involved with them in Scouting.

There is a story that fits well here. There was a boy whose parents was both teachers and did a lot in the evenings with various school activities, we had a Court of Honor where he received his Second Class Badge, and neither of his parents was there for him. All the other boys pinned the Mother's pin on their Mom and he had no one. You could see the disappointment in his face and it wasn't much longer he quit the program.

I think if you are going to be a parent it is your duty to be there for your child and set the example of doing and being the best you can be. To do your best to help them to be a better citizen and have a better life than you have had. 

School is the same way, if you don’t care and don’t think it is something worthwhile neither will they. Then it is us, the hard working, want to get ahead people, that pay the price you support them.

alienshadow · Answer

Its a shame society has become this way with there kids. I for one run my house like my grand daddy did he was tough and he meant buisness but he was always there until the day he died. My kids come first and I am always involved with there programs at school and on the ball field he!l we only get those few years before they think they are grown anyway so I take every moment with them that I can. Plus I will be old before I know it and I dont want to have regrets

122 Tactical Fighter Group · Answer

Life unfortunately is not fair. I have been a Boy Scout leader for 14 years - after being a Scout myself....the parental part is dead on and serious. Almost 50% of my Scouts come from single parent homes - and some with both parents use our program as baby sitting and just go by at a roll to dump the kids out of the car. They should take part in the program with their children and see how great their kids really are...we arent going to get better socially unless this happens. And I amafraid that I am pessimistic today - wish I could say that all looks rosy .......................................

VicUser · Answer

I think that it may be a good idea if it is made into a real life experience. For every “C” a 10% tax should be collected, for a “B” 25% and for an “A” 50%. The “tax” proceeds collected should be divided up and given to those that only got D’s and F’s. Wouldn’t this only be fair?

toxictome · Answer

I think it's a ridiculous idea......dominosara and paul hit the nail on the head...lack of parental support is the biggest issue....kids think they are "ENTITLED" to everything today.

joann1975 · Answer

I agree w/the parental involvement being the major issue. I have witnessed it firsthand with people I know or have worked with. Also, my Mom & Sister both work in the schools and see that as well. 

Good point Paul!

dominosarah · Answer

Paul,  I think you hit the nail on the head here.  It starts at home.  If there is no support coming from the home why would these kids no any different  Instead of paying them to go to school lets figure out a way to fix the problem where it is starting.  Somebody has to stop this vicious cycle that is going on.

paul300 · Answer

Totally ridiculous. Anyone living in Illinois should understand the stupidity of our state and leading officials. Mary, the schools could be targeted as part of the problem, but its the lack of family support. That's the elephant in the room no one was to discuss, Obama or McCain. 

I volunteer for a local inner city school and these kids have zero support at home, in fact, its more negative; Noise, drugs, late nights, no sleep, lack of nutrition, little or no parental support. So its no wonder these kids are failing.  Paying them to learn? Such an idiotic way of avoiding the real problem. Lets velcro books to there heads, that may have better results! Or no! Lets wait til Obama gets elected (he won't) and us "filthy mean rich people" can pay them to live! Yeah...thats the ticket... ;)

dominosarah · Answer

I was never one of those kids that got paid for having good grades nor would i of been had i had good grades either!!!!!!  It was just an expectation of us.  Go to school, listen to the teacher, do your work, graduate.  Seems to me that they have to be rewarded for everything anymore.                    sara

allaboutmary · Answer

I think as a trial it's ok.  I think we have to do something to get these kids educated. So I say lets see how it goes.   
I really don't know what the soloution to our school & teacher problem is.  I guess I would be more involved if I had children.

joann1975 · Answer

I know..and yet you still tell everyone. Hopefully nobody here will tell...I don't want it to get out that I've done that. 


Hey Vic..you didn't answer your question...I want to know what others think.

alienshadow · Answer

Sorry I just could not resist LMAO !!!!!!!! 
I know you told me in true confidence LOL

joann1975 · Answer

Alienshadow...I don't appreciate you sharing mine & my daughters business. I told you that in confidence..now I'm going to hit you w/my pompoms! LMAO!!! :) 

I don't think kids should be paid for good grades to that extent. My personal opinion is that kids need to go to school and get their education & that education is their reward. No, they don't really know it then...but later in life they will. What it does when paying them to do what kids have done for years is make them think they don't have to do anything unless they are being paid. I don't think you will find these kids out doing volunteer work b/c they won't get anything out of it. 

Just my thoughts...Good question Vic!