Should High School Students Get Paid To Study?
Posted: Thursday, January 24, 2008
by Stephany Springer
Two Georgia schools, Bear Creek Middle School and Creekside High School, are trying out the idea of paying students to attend study hall in hopes of bringing up their science and math grades.
The Associated Press is reporting that the 15-week pilot program is paying high-schoolers struggling in math and science $8 an hour to attend study hall for four hours a week.
The "Learn and Earn" initiative was developed as an idea from former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. It was developed as a program to boosts student motivation and grades.
The children chosen to participate in the program had to meet certain requirements to be eligible. The eighth- and 11th-graders chosen had to be low performing in math and science, and many are eligible for free or reduced-cost lunches.
When I first saw this news story, I have to admit I thought it was a waste of taxpayer money. I used to work in an inner city school that had very low performing students. I tried everything to motivate these students and found that they honestly didn't care along with the majority of their parents.
Thoughts went through my head like there must be a better way to motivate these kids. Can't someone come up with yet another curriculum? Is their grades really that important in the grand scheme of things?
Then I started picturing that one or two kids that do care but find themselves having too many responsibilities to even be able to complete any homework. Responsibilities of taking care of siblings after school, or having to work part-time to help support the family. Or what about the kid who would love to study but has no place or peace at home?
This can make a huge impact. Kids could actually not work outside of school at the local fast food joint, but instead spend the extra time studying. They could have a safe place, teacher supported to study while making money.
What kid wouldn't be motivated to study if it meant getting money? My only concern would be what happens when it no longer motivates? Will the kids be paid more to entice them?
AP News reports that the $60,000 initiative is being funded by Atlanta businessman Charles Loudermilk , founder of Aaron Rents, through the Learning Makes a Difference Foundation Inc., an Atlanta-based nonprofit that funds innovative education programs and was founded by Gingrich's daughters.
So what are your thoughts on this tactic to get kids to study?
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)Stephany, Interesting article. I believe that for low functioning students this type of incentive is fine. Remember, that the goal is to improve performance. Many of these kids have never experienced academic success and if paying them to work gets the job done so be it.James-Thanks for the comment! I agree that is it a good incentive and hopefully you are right in that the kids see the feeling they get with success as future motivation. I can't wait to see how it turns out! Hope you week is going good! Thanks again! - Stephany
Sorry, I forgot your rating.Thanks! I feel so honored!
this artical was coolThanks for the comment!
This is ridiculous, kids are suppose to study, its part of getting an education, the reward for studying is getting good grades, this is a waste of tax payers money, another government program not needed, just adding to the debt
I cannot say that money should be the best tactic for students such as myself to excel in the areas that challenge us the most. I will say that it is tactic that can potentially have a good outcome for many in their future. On the other hand, the question I pose is WILL STUDENTS ONLY DO GOOD WHEN INCENTIVES ARE AN OPTION? WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS THAT HAVE NO SCHOOLING AT ALL BUT WHAT TO GET AN EDUCATION B/C IT'S FOR THEIR BENEFIT NOT PLEASURE!
Yes it was really helpful because I am doing a debate on "should students be paid at school to study". It is really not a good idea because the students that care about their carrer then they would work for it and also money just doesn't grow on trees.They deserve it for their hard work but i agree with you.
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