What's wrong with this picture?

[dimimi]

I am a high school teacher. You would be surprised how many kids just don't do their assignments,will try to sleep in class, or are happy with passing with a D. Now of course, there are far more students who work hard and strive to do their best.

I think of things like this like rewards given in companies. For examples, companies expect you to make your sales quota, but you are given an extra reward when you do....etc.

 

[starrzone]

I'm glad this topic came up for discussion; I read this article a few weeks ago and gave a big shake of my head...

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/11/18/toronto-cash-for-grades.html

Toronto school board floats cash-for-grades

The Toronto District School Board is considering paying poor students to stay in school and get good grades. The idea was floated Sunday by education director Chris Spence on the social networking site Twitter.

Spence wrote: "Should we pay kids in our more disadvantaged communities to do well in school? Perhaps, as a part of a poverty reduction scheme?"
P.O.V.

Giving cash for grades: Is it a good idea?

It's one of the possibilities that the board's new anti-poverty task force will examine, said Lloyd McKell, head of the nine-member group. The task force intends to consult with parents and the public but feedback has been positive so far, he said.

"This is not about bribing. This is helping students who have no resources, or very limited resources, to focus on learning," said McKell.

The Toronto District School Board oversees more than 250,000 students in nearly 600 schools. It has identified about 110 schools that need special help due to poverty. The board already provides bus tickets, free meals and jobs to some of its neediest students.

The Toronto District School Board wants to know what the public thinks of paying poor students in return for getting good grades. On Wednesday, Ontario Opposition leader Tim Hudak said school resources should be used for more student testing and additional help in the classroom.

"I think good marks, being successful in school is its own reward, which opens up more job opportunities down the road."

Education Minister Leona Dombrowsky refused to step into the debate Wednesday, saying it's up to the board to decide.

"What I am looking forward to is the debate that will ensue when this proposal is brought forward," said Dombrowsky, a former Catholic school trustee. "I expect that parents are going to have a lot to say about whether or not this is appropriate, and I expect the trustees that have been elected locally here in Toronto are going to pay very close attention to what the parents are saying."

Grade 12 student Derek Neilson says money wouldn't have kept him in class.

"I like having my job, having my own place," he said. "I don't like being in school. People want to get bribed, go ahead. It's your morals, not mine."

Annie Kidder with the group People for Education also worries about a cash-for-grades program.

"There are solutions, but they're not necessarily simple and they have to be integrated solutions."

Some schools in the United States have tried paying students. In New York's South Bronx, students get $10 US if they complete a standardized test and more money for every correct answer.

A recent study conducted by the Education Innovation Laboratory at Harvard University looked at thousands of students who were paid in Chicago, Dallas, New York City and Washington, D.C. The results were mixed. Incentives worked for some kids but not for others.

I think what the kid said in the part I underlined sums it all up!

 

[DizBelle]

The filling is not the important thing. Just be sure it is not round, because Pi r squared.

Ok, double

 

[Jellical Cat]

Its a celebration of mediocrity.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

I agree Dawn.

 

[ZephyrHawk]

Excellence means different things to different people. My parents never were interested in putting those 'my kid's on the honor roll' stickers on their cars. When I asked why not, they said it was just what was expected of me, not something special.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Had a similar situation recently. DD is in all Honors classes. First marking period of Freshman year, I get a notice DD is in danger of failing. Call to speak to the Guidance Counsellor. Find out DD has an 83 average. Since her test grades were all over the place in this class they figured one or two bad test grades could drop her into failing territory. I explain to the GC that I expect at least 85 or above from DD in the future marking periods. GC tells me that most parents are just happy if their kids pass! Really? That's the bar we set now -- just passing? For Honors' students? I said well I guess I'm not like most parents and I expect better and DD knows it.

 

[DebD4T]

Think of it not as a competitive award but as a little gesture of recognition... "we notice and appreciate your hard work and cooperation, and it makes a difference to the school."

From the school's point of view, the more kids that are eligible, the better. If 95% of the student body qualifies for the award, that doesn't cheapen the award... it means that the school can get on with offering a good education because the students are working to create a good learning environment.

I don't think it's a bad thing to say "thanks" and offer a little positive reinforcement to the good kids who are making an effort. As long as everyone understands what the award is... not MVP, but good team player!

I agree.

In DD#1's school (high school), if you have perfect (or almost perfect) attendance in a semester they give the student a $2 gift certificate to the school store.

In DD#2's school, (middle school), you can be kept off honor roll and also excluded from school trips and after school "fun" activities if your citizenship grade (conduct) is not a satisfactory or above.

Both schools are in less than desirable neighborhoods and a lot of the students enrolled reflect that. So the schools do what they can to encourage behavior that we may take for granted.

Just wanted to add:

Congrats to your DD for conquering Algebra 2!!

 

[palavra]

What is wrong with recognizing the effort and hard work that some students put into their work/grades? Just because everyone isn't capable of making the honor role, it doesn't mean that they don't deserve recognition for hard work, tenacity and doing their best.

 

[disykat]

Although "excellence" seems like a weird term for it, I think being recognized for good citizenship is fine.