it is true love u ami

yes they should it will help them in all kinds of subject
and the parent dont have to deal with the problem of there children failing. it motivates them ..~!!!!!!!!
i love th idea of .it

Have you ever tried putting some red or green in the septic tank at home,try it,I did and it looks better then the next door neighbors,because I could buy more colors with an extra $1000.I've learned in life not to focus so much on my neighbors because you never know how people are getting things,and because my friends fail that don't mean I have to fall,thats why I stay focus and a positive mind in my own septic tank.
You can keep your own septic tank beautiful with $100.00 a month.lol also you can buy your child their own computer with $1000.00 for the next school year.lol

The water is always bluer in someone else's septic tank. The public education system is just like a bank account - you get out just what you put in with interest. Sometimes when we cash our "reality check", it is disappointing and frustrating and we want to blame someone else for the shortfall. It is easy to point the finger at the education system and blame it for all of OUR failures. And as Americans, when one of us fail, we ALL fail and right now WE are ALL failing because our public education system needs help. It does not need more money thrown at the problem. I too am appalled that every student does not have a text book for every class. But every student does not have a computer and a few other necessity items that we would like to see them use in the classrooms. What I do see that most of the students have is a super duper, whammy dine - (my phrase for out of this world), multiple function cellular phone that cost more than a mere text book and most desk top computers nowadays. Maybe our students can live with an older cell phone if they MUST have one at all and us parents can donate the extra money saved from the "super whammy dines" to help buy a text books for those who are less fortunate. And yes, I know not all students have cell phones; I sure would like to meet the ones that don't as they are certainly an oddity among us.

Since the schools don't know how to manage the money,I think they should give it to my child,and I will take the big $100.00 DOLLARS a month and make sure my child have paper,pencils,and etc.and get the books she need if the schools don't have enough to pass to every child in the class.
I know it's a great ideal,because some parents don't have the money to buy their kids school supplies.I don't look at it as bribe I look at it as helping my child and it is also helping me as a parent.
schools are already giveing cash to students.this is the new 2000 year it's just late coming to pass.I learn to except change because thats how you grow in life.
I counted the months,school starts in August,and end in may.thats 10 months,so my child will be getting an extra $1000 a year for school clothes and supplies all because she abided by the school rules,which she was going to do any way.LOL

This is not restricted to one or two schools, but is, unfortunately, part of an increasing trend.

I'd been asked to comment on this policy in the media in the past, but just recently (in August) DC Public Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee announced a pilot project in 10 schools that would pay students up to $100 a MONTH based on a number of factors including whether they showed up and "displayed good behavior."

So, Winetuscany, in a way you're right...you'd better bribe me or I might not come to school tomorrow, or destroy your property. And, if I don't think the spiff is high enough...well, who knows WHAT I might do?

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. What schools? Please name them. I don't want my step daughter or my grand children getting the notion they will be paid for improving test or grades...Lord have mercy! Next it will be, If you give me $5 I WON'T SPIT ON YOU!

No; and if my school area was doing it my children would not be able to accept it.

I had also posted a similar message, based on a "new" plan the Washington DC schools was going to do, but in their case it was even WORSE than rewarding them for good grades, it was just for what I consider baseline behavior: showing up and conducting themselves appropriately for the environment.

community.greatschools.net/groups/11553/discussion/236114

In this age where schools are continually yammering about how they don't have enough money for even the lowest level fundamentals, this is not only teaching kids the wrong lesson, it's just plain absurd.

I totally agree with you. thibodd Great Answer!!

Definitely NOT! I am a parent of 2 children who successfully worked their way through the K-12 public school system, transferring several times due to my military committment. I did not expect the schools to pay my children for getting an education. The school's job is to educate students. Paying students to do what is expected of them gives them a false sense of reality and adds to the burden of an already financially strapped education system. Students are expected to be good citizens and they are not paid to demonstrate appropriate behavior in the community so why should they be compensated when they get good grades in school? Furthermore, it is the parent's responsibility to instill in their children the value of a good education. Far too much is expected ( counselor, teacher, friend, therapist, etc.) of teachers and other educators, while parents dictate the outcome without taking personal responsibility. If parents want to control their children's education, they should home school. Let the other students who want to be in public school learn as much as they can without the interruption.

Well, I guess since the majority of people that have answered this question share your opion on this topic, I guess that alone makes it correct. Thanks for sharing your opinon.

I don't need anyone else's support to voice my opinion. I think the majority of the people that answered this, agree it's a bad idea. I'm not trying to offend anyone, either, I just think the whole idea of schools paying students for good grades is crazy. Maybe I should've worded the "taking advantage of schools" statement differently, but when you think about it, it does seem that way. That's just how I see it. The real reward for good grades is a good education to build on. That is the most important thing, not making a buck from it.

You know RRW777, you shouldn’t be sorry for voicing your opinion. That’s what these posts are about. However, you shouldn’t make comments like, “Anybody that believes that this is a good idea is only looking to take advantage of the school systems!” without expecting to hear something about it…especially when it’s NOT true. Voice your opinion and back it up with a strong argument. If you truly believe in what you’re saying and have evidence to support it, you shouldn’t need the support of “several others who feel the same as you".

I did my best not to offend anyone in doing this, but I stated my opinion, built a case, and used illustrations for others to better understand my point. I even answered questions that were directly asked of me. In fact, others have gone off on tangents from the actual question, but have answered their own questions and proved my point further without even realizing it. Most of it needs to be thought through and digested, still.

Quite frankly, I’m not interested in changing the minds or opinions of others on this issue, and you shouldn’t be either. So, go ahead and make your point, and we’ll all move on with it. Thanks for posting!

To all who say YES,it's ok.get your cash and lol.To all who say NO,it's ok.stay broke and cry,and pinch pennies to the mall.lol

To RRW777, This is the way I feel also. I cannot believe someone could ask such a question. Schools paying my child becasue she got all "A's"??? It is not up to the school to pay my child, but up to me to reward her the way I see fit. Do not feel bad about voicing your opinion. Several of us feel the same way.

I've been reading all the answers to this question and it is absolutely ridiculous to me. Anybody that believes that this is a good idea is only looking to take advantage of the school systems! It is NOT the schools place to PAY your kids for an education. Earning an education is a privilege and an honor. You don't get paid for that. If you want them to save for college then YOU give them a few bucks a week to start an account with. I can't believe that people are for this. Not that I don't love money, who doesn't, but I surely wouldn't expect the school to pay my child for getting an A. I will reward my child in however I see fit when it comes to grades. What about the "slower" kids or the special needs kids that barely get by. How do you think they would feel seeing all the "smart" kids getting money and they get nothing. That's wrong to me. I can't even believe that there are schools considering this idea. It is not right. People really need to get it together and start figuring out the difference between right and wrong. Some things are just wrong and this is definitely one of them. Sorry, I just had to voice my oppinion.

well,the question remains "cash for good grades" and my opinion has not changed, No.

Many are public schools, unfortunately, in some of the worst "failing" districts in the US.

Washington DC, for one.

When schools and districts are screaming for money becuse they say they can't provide even the basic materials like textbooks, I don't care WHERE the funding for these types of bribe programs comes from -- it shouldn't be on programs that foster an unrealistic expectation for students' performance, and those are are NOT sustainable. DC is allocating $1.2M a year for a PILOT project. For Middle School only. Is that fair? What about the other schools not selected for the pilot? Is it equitable that these students are "rewarded" even when those students might also be "achieving," attending class, and exibiting proper behavior.

Oh, and do you REALLY think this spiff money is going to go to save for a college education?

If you show me what POSITIVE, LASTING, EQUITABLE benefit this will truly provide, then I may change my opinion. If schools can afford to plop millions of dollars into this "extra" program, why do they continue to ask for more taxpayer dollars for necessities?

I certainly hope the schools doing this are PRIVATE! If PUBLIC schools have so much money they can afford to give it away, I would definately curtail their budget in the future.

Some people can't read and comprehend it.I will never change my mind.YES,SCHOOLS SHOULD GIVE CASH FOR GOOD GRADES.and uarickster I could'nt have said it no better,you wrote it excellent on this page.A+ YOU CAN GET YOUR CASH FOR WRITEING SO WELL.LOL

Should schools give students cash for good grades? That is the question. My answer is still the same. NO!

I am sorry, but I've already answered your question in my last three lengthy posts. If you don't understand after all that, I don't know how else to explain it to you, other than to suggest you reread my previous comments. Good luck to you!

I cannot help but wonder what the real issue is here...giving your child money for good grades or money for your household, gas bills , what? For college? What kind of money are we talking here? How about working (good grades) toward scholarships and/or grants? It is after all about learning and gaining the education, gosh, the education in itself is a gift are you indeed asking that we pay children to accept that gift? What about encouraging them to explore the possibilities of funding that will be available with good grades?

You’re absolutely right Nonnimom. I must be missing the point somehow. Let’s see, yeah, I can see how praise and recognition will pay for school and put food on your kids table later on in life. How much is that going for now-a-days? And, you’re right, we don’t want our kids growing up expecting monetary rewards for studying and achieving, so let’s just do away with all scholarship programs, because (in essence) that’s exactly what those do. Also, I believe the question is addressing GRADES in school, NOT their behavior. So, you tell me who’s missing the point here.

Look, I realize that the majority of us were raised “Old School”, where you were taught to do things based on ethics, standards, and values. My upbringing was no different, and I still hold and teach strong ethics and values to my kids. However, as it tends to happen, time changes everything. Look at our economy right now and all the financial downfalls our country is experiencing. Do you really think it’s really that much more important to stick with the argument that we shouldn’t teach our kids how to earn and handle money now for good grades just because they’ll expect to be paid for everything else? Please, if that’s how you feel, and you’re worried about paying them for “not hitting or cussing”, why don’t you put equal consequences in place and “charge” them everytime they hit or cuss. I’m sure you’ve heard of a “Swear Jar”, right? But, all that is completely going off on a tangent from the actual question to be addressed here.

You’re right, education IS a privilege, but at the expense it incurs, it is also a luxury for those that cannot otherwise afford to attend without financial assistance. What will you tell that student that graduates 26th in his class of 100 when the university/college he wants to attend tells him, “sorry, we only accept the top 25% of your class, even though you have had a 3.5 GPA”. Do you pat him on the back and say, “It’s okay, you still have praise and recognition.”? Or do you tell him, he’ll have to go out and look for a job along with thousands, (maybe even millions) of other Americans trying to do the same thing? THAT’S the point I’m trying to make. We have an obligation to our kids to provide them with opportunities to avoid that scenario.

There’s nothing “to get” here. Either you want your child to make money for their hard work and efforts, or you don’t. Whether that money comes from a school or a part-time job should have no bearing. It’s that simple. Tell me, if you’re child applies him/herself to school studies all through grade school and high school, and there are no scholarships or any opportunity to earn money along the way…other than a part-time job (which will be hard to come by due to the current 6% national unemployment rate), will all the praise and recognition be enough to send them to college? You do the right thing and what’s expected of you IN ORDER to get scholarships and financial assitance to advance further education.
There is no difference between getting paid for good grades in school and earning a living in the real world, so long as there are raises, bonuses, and promotions still implemented. We do get paid for being assets in the workforce based on how we perform. As well, the schools get paid for students being assets when it comes time to AIMES and other testing. They are awarded tax dollars or equipment based on a lot of that. So, how is it any different?

All it comes down to, is that some people have a more difficult time accepting change than others, because we’re all conditioned to what we’ve done for the last 50 years and believe that what we were told was the only right way to do things. Times change, and we need to change with them. It’s called survival, and the sooner we prepare our kids for this, the better off they will all be.

All the parents kids that get good grades and the school decided to give your child money and you decide you will not take it,call me,e-mail me,mail me,and I will take it for my child to pay their way threw college.then my child won't have to get a loan.I know alot of parents say they won't take the money,but let them need some gas,or pay a bill and it's not pay day yet.the parent will be so glad you better hope the child get some of the money,or even a toy.LOL

I really do not think that it is a matter of 'right or wrong' to pay students in cash for getting good grades in school...... I do believe that Praise and Recognition will last infinitely longer and have a greater effect than money. Do we really want our children to grow to expect monetary Rewards for studying and achieving and behaving in an expected manner? Should we also pay them $ for not hitting or cussing or any other unacceptable behaviors $? You talk about earning money in the work force, big difference we earn that money by being an asset to our employer according to what we know and 'how we perform', and that is what we learn in school. Get the education learn good study habits. We were taught that education is a privilege.
I don't get it!!!!! We do not pay our kids for making their beds or sweeping the floor or performing any other task at home not to mention doing it well. It is just a very important part of our childrens lessons. If you personally want your child to get paid for learning it shouldn't be up to the school or the government on any level, you figure out what is do able to motivate you child ...... and you provide it. There are such things as consequences....like,if you don't apply yourself you don't get the good job or even into college, etc.... or even tha part-time job after school so you can buy your 'new ''jeans, movie tickets or whatever.......just a thought.
ps.... not all books end up being discarded....are you missing the point? Is it about rewarding good behavior?

While I certainly don't agree with this policy at all, because it relies on external motivators to ensure performance, there is worse than just paying for good grades.

I started a thread a few weeks back about the growing trend of schools and districts to pay for what should be baseline behavior -- just showing up and behaving appropriately. THAT's really ridiculuous because not only is it a bad idea (you don't reward for what should be just ordinary expected lowest common denominator), it's not sustainable...and, it again relies on using a bigger and bigger carrot, for uncertain and unreliable returns.

For that discussion, visit: community.greatschools.net/groups/11553/discussion/236114

We have GOT to work on returning our kids -- our society -- to a level where internal motivation (doing a good job, knowing you did the right thing) is sufficient reward! Our kids' moral futures are literally at stake, not to mention their education and life-success.

Well, I’m not saying that the school should break the bank just to pay out for good grades. Obviously, that wouldn’t be a very prudent or wise idea in the long run. Realistically, I’m sure that those schools that do pay the students have some type of gauges and restrictions/limits in place to prevent that from occuring. They may even have a cut-off line or may require a certain number of good grades to even earn $1, $5, etc.

I still believe it is not a matter of right or wrong to pay our kids for their hard effort. How could it be a slap in the face? Even if all the student earned was $20, that’s more than what they started out with, right?! Plus, we should not be so quick to dismiss and believe that our taxes are being put to good use on merely good faith alone. That's like saying, "Sure, I trust the government!" Some type of audit needs to be in place, even if it is the inquisitive parent.

I would not believe it to be a wise idea to leave the reward up to the student either, regardless of age, as it is the responsibility and decision of the parents of what their rewards should be. Not all students are capable of making a mature decision of what they should receive, and they all would most certainly vary in responses. For example, I’m sure if you asked another child the same question, they would say “yes, because my parents don’t make very much and I they can’t afford to buy me the jeans I really want”.

Surely, I would think that you would be first to agree that students should get paid for good grades being that your child gets straight A’s. Wouldn’t you want the best for her and her future if opportunities like this would allow for it? Why would you not want her to get paid for her efforts and hard work? As parents, we should always push our kids to do their best in providing for themselves, so that they can be independent of others and also have what we didn’t.

Your child will find out later on that recognition only goes so far in life. Besides, there are many good people out there that do amazing things in innovation, art, and other fields that are never recognized. Therefore, recognition is not a solid motivator. What happens when your kid grows up and doesn’t get the recognition he/she is used to in school? They break down from culture shock and eventually learn that it’s about earning a living. So, why not skip a few chapters and teach them all this early on?

In the end, if you still disagree with the idea, I’m sure the school would provide you with a chance to opt of being paid anything at all. How will your kid feel then? No disrespect intended, but I wouldn’t want to be the parent that denies their child the opportunity of possibly gaining something that others will have the same chance at just because “it feels wrong”. I truly believe there are more pros than cons to this issue. You just have to look at it in a different light, such as scholarships. What’s the difference?

Uarickster I agree with you 100%.$$$$$$$$$$$.some parents ack like the schools don't have money,just because they have a few teachers crying about school supplies,when the school system is spending billions of dollars of our tax money,lotto,and even the pta collects.I don't feel sorry for No school system that treats kids wrong with parents tax money and so much more we put in lotto that suppose to be going into our kids education to create a million dollar fcat test that most kids in school can't pass and they walk out of schools with NO DIPLOMA.the schools has money they are playing on weak parents that work hard for their money like the rest of us do,and I say YES our kids should get cash for good grades,because a lot of kids will not recieve a diploma,school supplies and etc.from schools.the amount should be for elem.$100.00.middle $500.00.and high school $1000.00.if they pay college kids $2000.00.that is what I think every kid should get for good grades,and if more so let it beeee.

Just how much money are you looking at? It's not like the schools can give each child $10 or 20.00 for good grades. It just sounds wrong. I understand about the taxes we have all paid in. Yes, we pay our dues, no we don't see where it's going. But that is also life. Giving a child a dollar because they got straight A's (because the schools would not be able to afford any more than that) sounds to me like a slap in the face. Drawing names and a child eating with a teacher, or their names put up on a school bulletin board, in the newspaper, some sort of recognition would make that child feel like they have accomplished something. My child would break a school if they give out money. She has gotten straight A's since 3 grade, and she is now in 6th, and still doing straight A's . I am not bragging here, just making a point. If she can do this, I am sure there are hundreds of other children doing the same. I asked her what she thought about the school giving out money. Now from a middle school student, she said no way. Recognition at school, special privilges at school, etc. They may be smarter than us.

You know, my property taxes have gone up significantly in the last two years, and each time I call the county assessor's office to ask why, they tell me it's due to new school bonds. Well, before those taxes went up, the school where my kids attend had little supplies and teachers were paid a low income. Now that those bonds have increased our taxes TWICE, the school STILL has little supplies, and the teachers have not received any type of raise. So, if the school were to tell us that they're going to pay our kids for good grades, I'd have to say YES, DEFINITELY. At least, that way, my kids would actually SEE the extra money we're paying into the system, and they could possibly use it for college later on, as I would insist on them depositing it into a bank account until that time arrives.

I agree that books and certificates are great forms of recognition, motivation, and rewards, but you have to ask yourself..."How much will they actually help with your kid's future?" You read a book, and then you either shelve it, or discard it. It's very rare that you ever come back to it again. Certificates look great on the wall or refrigerator for about a week, until you either put it in a folder or discard it. How do these items actually help your child's future? My daughter has received basically the same certificates in each grade she goes through. That actually takes away from her motivation to do well. Money wouldn't't do that since it's multi-functional. She could use it for her education or for a car later on down the road.

Whether it's a little or a lot of cash rewarded to your kid, it's a step forward to teaching them a valuable lesson about the real world. The truth of the matter is that earning a living to support YOURSELF is the name of the game, and what better way to prepare your child for their future than to make use of this opportunity to not only teach them about earning money, but saving it as well?

Receiving money as a reward isn't an issue of right or wrong, or of ethical vs. unethical. As parents, we always want our kids to do the right thing in life, and not just for money. However, as parents, we also need to provide every affordable opportunity to our kids to gain the skills and ability to enable them to provide for themselves and their future, which includes their own families. Isn't that more important than any book or certificate, etc.?

I agree, RRW777 ! Schools giving the kids money?? WRONG!

Are you serious??? I've never heard of such and I think that is totally wrong. I do believe in rewarding kids for doing well but not by giving them $$$. Give them a certificate or a new book or something related to school....but cash....NO!
Now, if the parent wants to reward the child for a great report card, like getting them something that they've been wanting or even with a little cash that would be different but I don't think the school should. They need all the money they can get anyway, for supplies and activities for their classrooms.

I agree totally with nonnimom ! Great answer. Schools should not be handing the students money for good grades. It's just unheard of and wrong. Special privileges, Certificates, are what the kids need to motivate them to continue doing a good job. Recognition!

if the schools were to reward/award children for 'good grades' I'd rather see them receive a Book or just a Good Job Certificate, or some Special Privilege Award something that might motivate and challenge them to stretch and grow. We celebrate our childrens efforts by allowing them to have a friend over to share their favorite family dinner....... it is not about $$'s ! It is about recognition. I say use the cash to supply needed supplies... pencil,, paper, and such to students who need some $ help.

I don't need my kids to support me.I have a very good job,two at good places and big money.sorry if your kids have to support you.I don't look at the schools giving my kids money to take care of me.that don't even make no sence.I love my children and they get much kisses and hugs.my children get takeing care of regardless.I guess I misunderstood what you are talking about here.I can't even comprehend your comit so forgive me because I don't understand.I will suceed and my family with or without the school money and other parents will too.when my children was small we went to chuckie cheese,in their ages 7 to 10 we went to mcdoanlds,I have high school children now and it's Red Lobster.luck don't keep my family going it's prayer.

Parents need money to support the family, including KIDS. The kids do not need the money to support the parents. Yes, some parents ARE lazy. But most try to work and support their families, and be in their kids lives. AND if the kids were so Unhappy, Unsatisfied in school, then how did they get the good grades? Try taking your kids out to eat as a reward. Even McDonalds comes to mind if a person can't afford Denny's! OR maybe even taking them to a park and cooking out. What is wrong with kids today, needing money for everything? Where's the LOVE that comes first? Hugging, Listening to the kids??
Whatever DeborahHamiton. I wish you a LOT of luck!

If parents have to get a check for working,maybe parents are lazy.the kids work hard in schools and they should get paid,just like we as parents.we get awards to on our jobs.kids get awards in school too.is'nt that wonderful.all the money I put in schools,and my kids have to suffer threw 12 yrs.of unsatisfation.

Try taking your kids places for a reward. Or just plain being with them. If you have to give the kids money to get goods grades, maybe they are lazy.

Great news I hear on channel 4 here in Florida,about Chicago IL.Gov. is thinking about giving the kids cash.wish I was living in Chicago.now what about our Gov.Cris is he thinking about helping our kids here in the State of FL.they have the money if they get rid of the fcat test and give some of that money to our kids for good grades.YOU GO CHICAGO IL.

I totally agree with Sparrow1 and couldn't have said it better myself! Giving students money for doing something they should already be doing is unheard of!

Giving kids money to reward them for what they should already be doing is, to me, totally absurd. Giving a cash reward for getting good grades may be setting them up for life in a capitalist society, but I prefer to give my kids praise for hard work instead of rewards. A certificate for an acomplishment is fine-cash is not. Parents should make that choice for their kids and not have to have their kids "opt out" of the reward system at school which will only cause the kids to be upset and frustrated.

I reward my kids with something more meaningful....taking them places they really want to go, do things they really want to do, or maybe buy them something they've been wanting for awhile. School giving them good grades for doing great is good enough for me...award certificate is even better too. I can frame it. My parents used to let us pick where to spend summer vacation if we did great in school. My pick was always spending my whole summer with my grandparents. It's priceless reward...I have wonderful summer memories with my late grandparents. But than again that's just me, I am just not comfortable giving kids money.

What about paying cash to all the students who pass the fcat test? Would'nt that be great.YES,then principals,teachers,students,and the whole school system will be happy because everybody will keep their job.

This is an excellent question. The question exposes two problems with the idea. Schools giving cash for good grades for one are probably motivated by ratings and reckognitions rather than a one on one personal care for the student.Perhaps the biggest problem is, such a practice could cause the student to start expecting cash always, mislead in a misleading world and later on will be psychologically effected more significantly from disappointments in real life.

What's wrong with giving students cash for good grades I see no harm in it.It makes a child want to do better.The schools can give my child cash,I will help her spend it.LOL

I honestly dont think giving student cash is such a great idea. Dinner with their principal or their teacher, amusement park pass, or plain old Certificate are more meaningful then them cash to spend on toys/games/candy. I'm just not comfortable giving little kids money....

I still agree with giving students awards,certificates,gifts,trips,dinners with the principal or the teacher,partys and all the other good stuff like money,cash,check,or even a money order.I won't complain and I know a student won't either.

I know the children get awards for "trying their best", or A / B student, or even an A student, but money?
I guess I have a hard time understanding that part. At the Elementary school my granddaughter goes to they even pull a name out of a hat on awards day to see who gets to go out to eat with the principal. She is in 5th grade, and still thinks that is cool ! Maybe this is something they do in Middle School, or High School. To each their own, but I just don't feel money is the answer to everything.

Miz Deborah:

That's what grown folks do, right? Wouldn't the world be a better place if we all could do the same?

You're clearly passionate about your thoughts, as am I. I appreciate the debate and I'm sure we'll see each other around the forum.

To hopkinsatl I like you,we can disagree and still be friends.thats what you call two people with different good opinons.

To Grandma823 schools are all ready paying students for good grades.and I hope my children get some money for their good grades.

Miz Deborah, I'm gonna do mine and you do yours and may God bless us both...

I don't care how you write it,say it,or put it I still say YES kids should get money for good grades and teachers need to be paid more money.

First of all I will say this men and women think different and we may never agree with each other so let your kids make it through school without money and I will let my kids get your kids money and their own because the only money I know that don't spend is play money,all the other money I know is real it spends and get you where you want to go in life. we are living in the year of 2000 headed to 3000 back in the olden days some people got by without money but today it's going to take CASH,MONEY,CHECKS.CDS,FORTUNE,AND ETC. well it seems like the school system has a big problem and it's not my fault and other parents and some of the teachers,the system should screen the teachers. and like you said it does'nt take somebodys money to be a parent then how is you going to feed and clothes your children.I don't like begging people,I wore enough rummy sell clothes in my child hood days,foodstamps and welfair is not for me and my children,did you know it's a better life out there.I don't know nowhere I can go and eat in a resturant free,somebodys paying for it. and another thing I just want to say to you in todays world rent,light bill,gas,food,everything is going up,up,and up except our paychecks,work hours cut backs most jobs don't won't to give employees 40 hrs. minum wages is so low.yes teachers paychecks should go up and schools should pay students for good grades.

I personally cannot believe schools are even doing this. Pay a student to do better? It doesn't even sound right. If the school has "extra" money, why not pay the teachers more, or pay them extra to do tutering to students having trouble?
Just my thought on all this.

Deborah, I say double-dipping because you're paying the children to learn AFTER you've paid the teachers to teach during the school year. With that said, it's a waste of money because neither one was doing their jobs in the first place.

Teachers should teach because that's what they love to do, period. I'm about your age, I'm 45, and when I was in school, I never heard teachers complain about not being paid enough because it was never a big-money occupation. Should they be paid enough to make a living? Absolutely. but when you start caving into demands for more money and you have less qualified teachers or teachers who are clearly not there for their vocation and know that once they get into the system, you can't get them out, then you've got problems like the ones we are seeing in our communities.

I disagree with you, it doesn't take somebody's money to be a good parent. It takes love, patience, compassion, common sense, responsibility and the desire to raise a decent human being to be a good parent. Money just allows you to buy the material things but it by no means is an indicator of how good of a parent you are. My grandmother used to say, "Some money just don't spend, chile." Think about it...

You're right, I've never given my kids an allowance, I don't believe in the practice. It takes all members to make a household function and we all have to contribute to make it work. I don't pay people for something they should do, and my children learned about the value of earning honest money for honest work by actually working when they were of age to do so.

Yeah, other parents raise children not their own because they step up to the plate when the natural parents don't. That's a beautiful thing and something we all should do if we see a child in need. I know, I've had to do that, too, and did so willingly. But I can't excuse those who don't and leave the raising to others, for whatever reason, they dropped the ball. If a parent doesn't love a child because it's their responsibility, then they shouldn't have ever become a parent in the first place and gotten a doll instead.

I don't understand you when you say double-dipping.you are not paying the students to learn,they know they have to learn,the school system is doing it to help the students,and teachers should get top pay because they are the ones teaching the over size classrooms you made by not managing the school money.nobody pays me to be a parent you said,well I just want you to know how did I make it this far 49 yrs. it took somebody money for me to be a good parent to my children or they would not have food and clothes.I am a good parent because I love my children not because it's a resposibilty.so I know you never gave your children money for the chores they did at home.so they can learn how to go into a store and buy things they need to teach them responsibilty.Do you know a lot of adults raise other parents children because they care,and some parents don't love them because they look at it as a responsiblity.

Well, Deborah, I agree that the schools could spend their dollars better, but why should I pay a child to learn AND a teacher to teach? Sounds like double-dipping there, sorry.

Nobody pays you to be a parent, you do it because it's your responsibility. Shouldn't have to pay a kid to learn when it's obvious that they can learn, it's their (and their parents') responsibility as well.

The school system is spending the money wrong.

The school system has the money,just like companies,and jobs do.The school just spend the money wrong.do you see how much money they spend on fcat test,they can take that money and split it up,give teachers more,better lunches, and help kids buy their school items.some parents can't afford school supplys,I know because a lot of kids come to school without supplys,some kids don't eat at schools,because some parents don't know how to manage their money to give a kid lunch money,and I can write on,so I see no problem with the school giving cash to students for good grades.

These brats get enough from their parents all the time!! Why should the schools chime in too???? Their motivation for good grades should be: If they don't pass all their classes, there's always summer school or doing the same grade all over again the following year!! And that's THAT!! I have a 4 year old and I'd tell him just that when HE gets into the higher school grades too...

No, why pay for something you should do in the first place?

The only reward one should get for getting good grades is the sense of pride and achievement one gets from accomplishing such a feat.

Interestingly enough, Georgia did pilot such a program called "Learn & Earn" where students earned $8 an hour for attending and completing this after school tutoring program. More info about the program can be found at: www.ajc.com/search/content/metro/stories/2008/05/16/study_0514.html.

In my opinion, if they could do the work with money, they could do it without, I think a dangerous precedent is being set here. No word yet on the success of the program, I think they're still compiling the results.

I know there are many parents that feel that way, but I have to wonder. Where on earth is this money coming from and how is it possible that throughout the MD and Metro Washington, DC area schools are being closed forcing more kids into already overcrowded classes? In many public schools there is a shortage in both teaching supplies and resources, teachers are some of the lowest paid professionals, although many possess graduate degrees and even more stock their classes out of their own pockets. How can there be a debate going on as to whether or not we should 'pay' students when so many of our schools are suffering? Paying for grades should be strictly up to individual parents and not something that comes from the taxpayer's pocket. I'd just rather pay for better schools, necessary supplies or increased wages for our teachers.

I don't consider it as a bribe,I look at it as an award.I do know it will get the students attention and make them focus more on education.look at it as a job.would you like to get a plat or cookies after two weeks of work or a check (money).schools are getting our children ready for the work place,so I look at schools like a job they get up every moring,they do school work,and homework,why not get paid.we as parents get up every morning,work on our jobs,and some of us have to take our work home to finish it,why not get a grade.everybody need a bonus once in awhile.(CASH,MONEY)

No - it is not a good idea to bribe students in this manner. We already have a problem of 'what's in it for me' attitude with our kids and I don't think it should be encouraged. However, it is probably time for schools to reinvent their recognition and reward system for those students who are not intrinsically (aka self)- motivated. How about taking the proposed funds, earned by top-performing kids, and instead donate that money to needy kids here in the U.S., homeless shelters, or abroad? A healthy competition could take place during the year between classes as to whose class 'raised' the largest amount of money. With an award luncheon or dinner given to everyone who participated (i.e. earned good grades) at the end of the year or semester. Moms could prepare the meals and it would be a win-win all around.

Yes,I agree a child should be awarded a check for their excellent grades in schools and colleges.lol

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!!

Schools give students cash for good grades?? You have got to be kidding? First of all, I do not believe it is up to the school to reward our children with money. If a parent wishes to do this, that is their right. It is up to each student to study hard and do the best they can.
And second, if a parents decides to reward their child with money, hopefully the child will learn to use it wisely. I would like to see the schools treat our children to lunch, when a child has brought their grades up, or keeps them up. I do not believe money is the answer to everything.

Back in the olden days most parents didn't treat you for being good and would almost kill you for being bad,I know I been their.but I don't fault them for that because a lot of parents just did'nt know better.they was only doing what was done to them.but I have to give them my respect in the olden days a lot of kids did mind their parents and other people too.I agree with you 100%.lol

I'm sorry, but your answer seems to be "on both sides of the fence". Are you FOR schools paying the students cash for good grades, or AGAINST it?

I think children should be "rewarded" to a certain degree when they get good grades, and treated accordingly when they don't. My parents used to tell me "You're supposed to get good grades, there's no reward for that." Since children have one responsibility only and that's to do good in school, my parents felt that doing good in school was a given, and if I got bad grades I was punished. Times have changed alot, sometimes I think for the worse! Alot of kids think their parents owe them something, which isn't true. Every student should try their best at what they do, work hard, and if they don't, they should not be rewarded.

I agree with you.

I give my kids allowance when they do there chores,and sometimes one child don't do his chores,are you saying punish them both,I don't think so.look at it another way,you always doing your work,never late,help out, and always their for the company,but Me,Im most of the time late,always taking breaks,fooling around,and now it's time for a raise,or bonus check,happy me I get the bonus and raise just like you,believe me I will take me a couple of days off and still get paid like you do. this company I will always love and I know you will not complain about me to the company. Thank you keep doing the work and I'll keep getting your and my trophy and might just move above you in the company. YES,SCHOOLS SHOULD GIVE CASH TO STUDENTS WHO DO THEIR WORK.

Do you mean "bribing"? And, how is it any different from the real world we live in where you get paid to do a job and earn your living that way? Maybe the other children won't feel like their best isn't good enough if they're trying harder to earn the cash. Besides, it's not about recognition. It's about learning and earning. I see no negative issues with it.

No, that's brieving and I think it will make the other children angry and/or feel like there best isn't good enough to be recognized.

I agree, and it also help the kids in the long run, when they get a job. and it will teach them how to handle money.

It is an important value to establish goal setting early in the child's life. How to attain goals by setting proper boundaries and priorities are a lost art in our society. Some may say "Why a cash award"? I challenge it and say "Why not"? Before we say no to something, take a analytical point and do a comparison analysis of the pro's and con's. As educators, we must check out all the variables and put the right pieces of success together and take action without delay. It's our job to keep going back to drawing board in the event of failure; not to settle with the word "No or we can't" but let's arise to challenges and go over our mountains with victory.

To answer the question I think it is a good idea for cash awards. This will cause parents to show up for more activities in the child's life. The key to what we do is to get parents in our world and show them that they to can help make a difference in the current world and the world their child will step into after high school.

I think the school should award money.

It's the parents choice and I want some more money coming in my house.

I agree 100% with you. I need all the help I can get, and if the school pay my child cash for good grades, we'll thats money I can put some where else.

Don't tell me schools don't have money. they are wasting money, and using it wrongly.why not try to get some of your tax money back into your house.

Yes, the original question is whether the kids should be rewarded in this manner. I was simply explaining to you the positive effects/outcomes it has in the long run that you're saying it does not work in with your "research on this matter". It works for both the short and long run situations, regardless of any "disorders" a child may have. Disorders have nothing to do with the potential economic learning that this program could possibly provide to students. This continues to be overlooked with too much psychological evaluations of the question.

I disagree. If a child will only do what is necessary to obtain the prize and nothing more, then you "raise the bar". In other words, you require a higher grade for the next prize. If money is the prize, the demand for it will never get old because there are so many uses for it.
You're comparing apples to oranges in your argument. You're discussing punishment rather than reward. There's a big difference. The issue is rewarding accomplishment, not punishing for a lack of effort. This is the mentality that twists a potentially good learning program on many levels into a negatively charged excuse. To believe that intrinsic awards alone is enough to keep a child motivated is very delusional. If the money can be afforded to set this program in motion, the school should proceed with it, and vice versa. If parents disagree with it, they should opt out as mentioned in other inserts prior to mine.

I agree it is always a parent's choice how to raise their kid. I believe the original question was whether or not the schools should award children in this manner. I am simply sharing the research on this matter. Extrinsic awards have been researched time and time again. Unless the child has a disorder that includes poor impulse control, the extrinsic awards do not work in the long run. They work in the short run. Unfortunately or fortunately, educating a child is a longterm process with the ultimate goal of allowing the child to grow into an independant adult.

Yes, you're right. That type of behavior is not characteristic of a child receiving extrinsic awards. But, so what if the the child's goal is not to share the wealth once the award has been received? It's called competition. Not to stray from the topic, but it's also what drives the economy in the Capitalistic country we live in. That's what makes the difference between business owners and consumers. We'd be more of a Communist society if we were so worried about "sharing the wealth", right?
I think the real goal here is to get children to help themselves, and not to place the burden of teaching on other students. Let tutors do that, because they get paid for it. Money would be a good motivator to get kids to help themselves, and it never gets old because there is always a demand for it. Besides, you can always ask that your kid not be paid by the school if you don't approve of it. That just provides more money for those that do, and your cutting your kid short of the opportunity, though. It's a parent's choice in the end.

If you don't want your kid to get paid for good grades by their school, all you have to do is tell them to exclude you from the program. Why are we still debating about what other type of rewards are available and who provides them? They all work out to have the same effects in the long run. But, honestly, what would you rather have in the end when all schooling is said and done, money in the bank and possibly knowledge of how to handle it, or just a warm fuzzy feeling with nothing else to show for your accomplishments and telling yourself "at least it felt good"? I think I'd rather have money in the bank, regardless of how society views me. It's called earning a living and being able to support your family as a result of your hard work, and that would be what makes me feel good about myself. THAT'S the ultimate accomplishment.

Here's the problem with spending money on "alternative high schools". If schools currently don't have enough money to pay the teachers, how are they going to provide funding for additional schools? It makes no sense to do that. Also, parents are the true mentors for our children in all manner of life skills. You're suggesting that we spend more money to create schools for a smaller teacher-to-student ratio, but in doing so you want to add more responsibility to the teacher's already demaning position. This changes nothing for current conditions, except multiply them. Parents should have the option of paying their kids themselves (based on affordability), AND allow the schools (that can afford to do it) to decide whether monetary rewards for grades should be provided. I would suggest the same idea as provided in an earlier anonymous insert as the reward being in the form of a discrete scholarship. For those children lacking in support of a positive adult influence, that's the purpose of school guidance counselors. They are there to assist students through academic and social problems that may occur. If parents have a problem with the school paying their kids for good grades, they should write a letter to the school asking to be opted out of the program.

I am saying what ever you so desire to do with the cash is your choice. I was only saying some differnt things you could do with the cash.and yes I know company and people that give away alot of free things, cash just to help other people and don't look for nothing in return.

It can be like a payment, for helping other children thats if the child want to do that.

OMG! you hit it right on the button- same here my sister wanted to and just insisted she buy my 2 older boys a wii last x-mas Ok so I said it's your money do as you please, however don't expect me to do the same or spend ridiculous money like that on your kids.. and I had to break it down to her just as you broke it down for us reading your insert-- Oh yeah and I sent her a copy of yours - but , anywho she thought "Oh they'll love it!, and with it you should be able to manage them more closely with home life, schooling, etc.. Use it as a reward for good behavior!" Ok so at first I thought no I just really don't want to start buying them or geting like outrageously out of my market gifts, b/c I know I not going to be able to keep it up. Ok, I know.... to make a long story short- it actually worked out pretty well , they get to play for great - I mean outstanding !! Being I have a 2nd grader and Kinderkid --- my kinderman is not as interested in the whole schooling idea as my 2nd grader, so sometimes it gets a little iffy --- Only b/c I want to, i do, and Love to reward good behavior - I just can't stand that's it's not both of them at the same time ALL THE TIME!! So long outdrawn conversations from my mother (Good ones) just a little extended beyond the need sometimes -- has allowed me to practice tough Love, while still being encouraging and very supportive. Oh yeah not to mentiom I put together packets for them to work on monthly, so they have to complete that too;-}~ They'll appreciate it in the end! I know ;-}

Please tell them again!! I rate you 100,000,000,000,000,000,000 if there is such ;-}~ I had to copy and paste your comment on this and forward it along to my co-workers -- Just an FYI "They Loved it! " and you'd better believe so did I

Well now I'm not sure of that -you say free trips..but in reality as adults as parents as employees - we ALL know that nothing is free! Yeah, maybe from time to time the trips the kids may take are free to the parents -- and that's fine, but always keep in mind someone has to get paid-whether it be the bus driver(s), the people conducting or instructing, Etc.. Please belive I'm not trying to be difficult about this subject-- I just strongly agree with the comments made by 2gr8lilgirls-- and now that I think about it (slow at thinking this week, turning out to be such a long week-but beautiful one) That's probably more of how I should have worded my response -of course I took the long way out .. I just read it and BAM! there it was just as I'd been thinking aloud the entire time we've been on this subject. Now let's look at this and remember to put ourselves in the childs mindset-- Am I going to use this free money to (and not all of them) PAY 4 MY LUNCH- not ! pay for my lunch so it puts the money back into the school ? Heck naw I'm going to Mickey D's grab a burger and put th emoney in their investment! Let's see use this cash to pay for my books, no that's not happening! Mom and Dad WILL help with that for sure!

I totally agree with you!! ;-}~

That is not behavior characteristic of a child or an individual that is receiving extrinsic awards. Once the award is received, the child will move on....their goal is not to share the wealth. Also, if you want them to help other children, you would have to offer yet another award. It becomes a slippery slope.

There have been alot of psychological studies on extrinsic awards for children. They do not view a scholarship the same as money. They also do not view "trips", although I have never heard of giving a child a trip...The bottom line is, they do not work. It is misleading as they seem to work in the short run. Again, in the long run, the benefit is out weighed by the child only doing the bear minimum to get the award or avoid the punishment. Children will ultimate absorb their parent's values. In middle school or early high school, it appears to be the opposite. But if the parents, and parents are key in education, persist with making their expectations known to the child, success is more likely. It is not easy and will take time. In the end,the child will be better off.

I think it's all the same.they give them free trips, awards, scoloships, it all deals with money, so why not just give them the money so they can do other things with it.like pay for their books, pay for their lunches, most kids don't get free lunch.

Kids that get money for good grades can help other kids get their grades up with the money.

I disagree,I give my children love, praise, and kisses all the time. what about a little extras like treats and money it will help them in the long run to manage their cash.

I think this is great the mustang bucks,toys,for younger kids, but when they get into high school it should be money, real cash . It can help kids who don't have in many ways.

Give a child $5, entertain them for a day; teach a child the skills necessary to survive in life, like - responsibility, honesty, respect, dilligence, work ethic - they can get and keep a job and entertain themselves for a life time.

Instead of spending money on rewards, that are relativly small per person, spend the money on "alternative high schools" with 1 - 10 ratio of teachers to students, and have them truly mentor the students in all manner of life skills. Much of the decline in graduation rate is many of these students don't have a positive adult influence in their lives; they need someone who cares for them enough to help them navigate through school and transition into young adult hood.

Instead of monitary rewards, I have no problem with "earned" field trips to the park, or museum, or ice cream parties.

Absolutely Not! Extrinsic motivators do not promote success in the long run. Learning for the joy of learning (intrinsic motivators) are the goal. If you have a preteen, feel free to laugh, I know it is not close to being easy. However, when you extrinsically motivate a child that does not have a Pervasive Developmental Disorder (i.e. Aspergers) you lower the bar. The child will only do what is necessary to obtain the prize, nothing more.
My son's teachers made a mistake by providing an extrinsic motivator that was punitive. If one child did not do their homework, another assignment was given to the class. The problem here is that the kids only did what was necessary to avoid the punishment. Forget the essays written with excitement, the inquisitvie science paper.....now you only get the minimum. In the short run it seems good because everyone does their work. In the long run it is not good because they do not develop an interest in the learning process.
Good grades should be celebrated with love, praise and other methods that allow a child to feel good inside. Schools that post grades online, provide a homework hotline and tutoring are doing their job. No need for money.

In our elementary school, students earn "Mustang Bucks" (named after our school mascot). This is in essence play money that the students are allowed to spend about every 4 weeks at the "school store", which consistes of donated toys, trinkets, etc. from various sources, including parents cleaning out their childrens toy boxes. It is a great motivator, and the kids love it.

We need to remember our government providing a free and appropriate education is very much the service that is being provided to students of school age.

If you want to set up a rewards system, seek outside sponsors to fund monthly or quarterly acheivement based awards, such a reading a challenging number of books, or memorizing addition, subtraction, multiplication & division at a fairly early age.

Tax payers monies need to fund teaching expenses, not student cash awards.

Sorry for the confusion. I was directing my question toward rwilliams' response to your entry.

I really see no different. I am with the parents and school paying the kids for good grades.

Not to disagree with you...paying your own children for good grades is fine and dandy. However, what if parents don't have the means to do this? Wouldn't it be nice for those children of lower income families to experience an opportunity to make a little money for the same work and effort? It wouldn't be so much "luring" on the part of the school, as it would be "motivating" or "encouraging". If it's alright for you to pay your kids, what's the difference in the school paying them?

Exactly!! Now this is the reward program I'm talking about - Reward your own children- so they know YOU mommie / daddy is proud of what their doing .. Not the school system taking an action whereas they're going to give them money to lure them to do better .. You go girl, at least that's how I chose to raise my children.......hey not everybody is going to agree w/ us ;-}~

I give my kids money for the A on their report cards, and special treats. I found out that it works with my kids.

All I will say is I LOVE YOUR ANSWER.

I think it's a great ideal. it will motivate a lot of kids to do better in school. I see nothing wrong with this.

Maybe I shouldn't have worded my personal response to the matter as "The Craziest I'd ever heard" . I guess you can say I've seen and heard more than this. My point should have been encouraging our children to become more productive in school is our (as parents) job. No in no way did I mean for the insert to come across as we should just beat our children, and they'll do better, however, in the same token it does provide obeidence which carries quite a ways. Not only at home but also when your children are not around you. True indeed the teachers are the ones teaching our children, but without help from some of the parents. Now, I'm not sure whether I was in the right group or not, but my final answer to this is still NO. Why can't we think of other incentives to boost their little hearts, so they'll want to learn.? Why start them off being money hungry? And thinking that everytime and for everything they do, they WILL get something in return. At least that's just my perception of it. I don't believe that by giving the children cash, cell phones, ipods, etc... it will help (in the long run). There will be plenty of ways to get around doing what's right ONLY! to get the good. Just as I'd seen on television maybe 2 or 3 months ago- a school in New york giving students cellphones.., and the parent was outraged, "I punish my child, take away from him/her, and you reward them with what I took away". Final, I just believe if a child is doing their absolute best then it's up to the parent(s) to decide what the reward should be-not the school board. It's come the time for us as parents to sit down and pay closer attention to our own children. Especially, the older they get the parent/child bond is what encourages our children to do what's right move in the right direction. Sad to say, but there are a lot of young parents out there who'd rather the system PAY their child to go to school, make the good grades (that they can make without the money). Now, I'm not trying to get too far ahead of myself, as I am a young mother myself with 5 beautiful, smart, well behaved children (working in progress). I'm not bragging at all as there is no need for it, but from the little experience I have being a parent I trust if we were more in tuned to our children, they'd do a whole lot better in the end.

Just look at it as a scholarship. It's basically the same thing. Would you do away with those?

Why is THIS the craziest you've heard? We're not talking about "giving kids whatever they want". We're talking about SCHOOLS paying them MONEY for their grades to encourage them to be more hardworking and productive. Getting your butt beat by your parents doesn't make you smarter, only more obedient (if anything). I know, because I was raised the same way.
As for the "insert" you read, the answer to the question is YES. Teachers (plural) are expected to do all those things involved with the job. It is just not one teacher that instructs your child. It is every one of them from grade to grade that performs these duties together. What one doesn't catch or teach, another one will. With all do respect to teachers, not all were meant for this profession. Just because they received a teaching degree/certifcate, it does not mean they are adequate at the job. I know from personal experience in dealing with them with my kids, and my kids are honor roll students. So, I know when it's a student problem, and I know when it's a lack of ability on the part of the teacher. Furthermore, teachers know going into this career field that they're not going to get rich doing it. Therefore, they should be glad to make the money they do get, because there are plenty of other jobs are much more significant, like Emergency Medical Technicians (that save lives all the time), that work for minimum wage. I know, because I am one, and I don't do it for the money. And, I don't complain about it, because I love my job. Plus,many only work nine months out of the year with a three month paid summer vacation. And, I'M supposed to feel sorry for them?! I don't think so. Any teacher that complains about money was not meant to be in the profession.

Yes, the high school drop out rate is increasing every year. It is better to pay for good grades than paying to house these children in jail. Better educated citizens improve the economy. Let the society thinks outside the box!

This is the craziest I've ever heard... and they wonder why the kids are acting the way they are, only b/c if we (parents, and teachers-school board) give these 'kids'/children whatever they want then they just might decide to do what you ask of them. Boy I tell you what i sure wish these kids had it like I had it! My parents (from the south) brought me and my sister up on the rule spare the rod spoil the child, and if you every thought 'you might be too grown to do what was expected of you" then there's the door-- don't let it hit cha where the good Lord split cha!! Give them money to go to school, yeah right! I'll give'em something alright--- something they should've had from the getgo.. that our country, city, state, and communities are trying to bring about --- Ban the belt, children services cases, talk to your child -- If my parents were as simple with me as this world is calling for now- trust me I'd be locked up in prison, or homeless on the streets. I just can't believe the limits they are trying to put on us, regarding the raising of our children. True indeed, some people haven't been raised properly, therefore, how can you expect them to properly raise (not just 1 child-for the fun of it, but these are the people that have multiple children)these kids, and worst of all those of us that are trying our best to instill the correct ropes to the roads somehow happen to eat the blunt end of the stick. Like I was saying when I was coming up teachers could teach a class of 10,20,30 students, and get the job done! Only b/c back then they cared, now-a -days teachers are so stuck up on the simple fact "I'm not being paid enough, so what they pay is what I'll give". I apologize actually we aren't giving the teachers all the respect they deserve-- I read an insert a while ago that went a little something like this:

" Let me see if I've got this right- You want me to go to that room with all those kids, correct their disruptive behavior, Observe them for signs of abuse, monitor their dress habits, censor their t-shirt messages, and instill in them a love for learning. You want me to check their backpacks for weapons, wage war wage war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, and raise their sense of self-esteem and personal pride. So the kids need to be taught patriotism and good citizenship, sportmansmanship and fair pla, how to register to vote, balance a checkbook, and apply for a job.We are talking about - I have to check their heads for lice, recongnize signs of antisocial behavior, and make sure they all pass they state exams. You also want me to provide them with an equal education reguardless of their handicap, and communicate regularly with their parents in English, and Spanish - by telephone, newsletters (not to mention weekly, or monthly) and report card.

So we are suppose to do all of this with a piece of chalk, a blackboard, a bulletin board, a few books, a big smile, and a starting salary that qualifies us to recieve foodstamps. Come on now!

I now have heard it all Isnt that the parents job not the teacher did you get your priorities backwards or whats the deal This question is so out ofn text probably shouldnt have been a question with a parental point of view you would never ever even think to ask such a question because teacher as you nknow are underpaid how could they afford this? Good luck with your question its so vague!!!!!

Well, let's think about this one. School uses money to teach mathematics, and it studies cultures and current affairs (which includes social lives of other people). So, how can you say it's not supposed to be about money or social lives? "Natural rewards" are often not enough to keep kids motivated. If you are fine with scholarships and grants, then all you have to do is consider the money given to these students as such. Problem solved.

You're correct in saying that it is different for me to pay my kids versus the school doing it. However, the difference would not have to result in public humiliation or an inferiority complex by installing a program that would allow a school to discretely deposit money into an account for each student and then presented to them upon graduation. It would be something on the order of a scholarship fund based on individual acheivement. This way no one can brag, no one gets their feelings hurt, and little effect will occur to "other children that are of average intelligence", as you call them. Plus, it would be a nice bonus and surprise at the time of graduation. Right? By the way, it's not the programs that suggest other students feel less than adequate. That feeling comes from the normal frustrations of learning, which everyone experiences from time to time and regardless of how smart you are. It needs to stop being used as an excuse to keep our children back from learning to their fullest potential. Challenges are presented throughout life, and overcoming them may not always be easy. Therefore, we learn.

If it works, and it's affordable, do it.

Well, if your kid goes off on an educational field trip and does nothing but goof off with his/her friends, it wouldn't be an educational field trip, right? It would just be "Spring Break" That's the reason for the quiz/essay, and it could be for extra credit toward their grade. So, you're suggesting that they be given a vacation as a result of hard work? If I was a kid, I'd choose money over a vacation, because even if you do go on a vacation, you still need the money to spend for it.

As a kid, my parents used to keep a "scrapbook" of all my awards I received in primary and elementary school. After a while, they all began looking the same, and no motivation came from them to push me to receive more. So, speaking from my own experience, (and most likely many others), I would say it does not re-motivate them. By the way, my kids DO keep their awards in a folder. They've only been in school for 5 years, and they're already discarding them, because they get the same ones over and over. There's no motivation to get anymore at all.

Well, let's think about that for a moment. If students knew that money would be rewarded to them for showing the most improvement or working the hardest, don't you think that they would flunk intentionally in the beginning of the year and make drastic attempts to show acheivement or progress by the end of the year? How would that reward them, versus those who maintain a decent grade point average throughout the whole school year? I wouldn't think that to be very fair. What you're asking is basically the reason why they did away with the honor roll system. No one wants to hurt anyone's feelings. The probelm with trying not to leave someone behind is that it leaves everyone behind, because you slow down the learning process for the strongest student in the class by reviewing over and over what the weakest students are having trouble grasping. I have personally told my kids' teachers that if they are having problems with certain material to send a note home with them, so that my wife and I can work on it with them to get them back up to speed. Another child's education should not suffer simply because other students cannot grasp the material as easily. This is why our test scores are so low in comparison to other countries in the world, and it is exactly why people send their kids to private schools versus public. (That is those who can afford it.) So, in answer to your question, I would have to say, no. The hard work and improvement will show in their GPA.

I agree, however, what of those students who work for hours each day after school on homework, and see tutors and get extra help, yet still can't make the GPA ranking for the "cash reward". Should there also be a few "cash rewards" for hardest workers and most improved?

Then put it in their scrapbook or folder of pictures and stories they have given you since they were 2, that maybe you should be keeping. It would never hurt to bring them all out after awhile (if it gets "old) and show them how many they use to get. Bet it remotivates them to start getting that many again.

Or how about "just" the educational field trip?

Right? Start digging deeper in that pocket for more cash!

You, as a parent, paying your child for good grades is very different than a school providing cash for higher grades. If the schools is doing it, it will have an effect on the other children that are of average intelligence that strive just as hard or harder for their grades. Why make children publically feel that they are not as good as the next child, even if they work much harder?

You are an amazing parent, and your daughter is a very lucky girl. You truly know how to encourage and reward positive progress.

Absolutely Not. School is suppose to be about learning, not money or social lives. Even though the social aspect can only be controlled by an individuals parent/guardian, money should never be a reward for good test scores. Natural rewards and consequences for hard work should always come first. The only monetary compensation that should be given for an academic job well done are scholarships and grants at Graduation.

How do you "encourage" someone to do better in school without using praise? Do you throw in the words, "Do it, or else.."? Tell me, if you're not part of this "What's in it for me society", are you teaching for free, too? Is it your self-encouragement and intrinsic reward of teaching these parents that puts food on your table or pays for your electric bill? Or is there something in it for you, too? Your argument would be good back in the stone age when cavemen needed only to survive in the world by having to learn things. Today, people are attempting to create a better life style for themselves, which, unless you drive from town-to-town in a 1960s Volkswagen van, is based on MONEY. Any Economics book will tell you that the "What's in it for me society" is what drives the economy. Why would you want to break the cycle? It's called free trade of goods and services, not necessarily bribes/rewards. And, it is expected of every person to be a productive member of society, so why not get paid for it? You do, I'm sure.

NO, kids shoudn't be rewarded at all. Ever read Alfie Kohn's book Punished By Rewards? Because of rewards/bribes we live in a 'What's in it for me society." The only way to break that cycle is to instill in our kids the intrinsic reward of doing their best work...This can be accomplished through encouragement (not praise).

I teach a parenting program and one of my parents wanted to know what I thought about them buying a Wii for their child if he read X number of books. My answer to them was, once he gets his Wii he'll stop reading books until he wants a car.

Through modelling and encouragement we can help our kids feel how great it feels for THEM to accomplish THEIR goals (not their parents).

It would be nice to be able to believe that learning is its own reward, and grades don't tell you everything that a child has learned. However, what do you think it is that determines where these kids end up in life? The quest for knowledge for self-bettermen alone? Or how much they'll be making to earn a living and have all that they want? In the real world, more education equals more money, so why deprive them of this lesson early in life? Parents that provide this lesson to their kids better prepare them for the harsh reality of life. This you should believe.

The question isn't about what teachers get paid. It's about rewarding our students for hard work and effort in pursuing an education. Teachers know they won't make much in their profession when they enter it, just like monks and priests don't make much. You don't hear them complaining, do you?

Who wants to eat lunch with the principal and get teased as being the "teacher's pet"? Ice cream parties went out of fashion a long time ago, and George Carlin said it best when he stated that bumper stickers are for those self-endulging parents that feel the necessity to brag about their kids. Why do you think kids are "supposed" to make good grades other than to further their education and earn a good living? Do you want your child to become a hippie and live off love? Just what "should" they do with their life if not to get paid for being a productive member of society? Time to get real.

What burden? Who will be there to pat them on the back later on in life when they are out of school, or you are not around anymore? Their bosses? It's time to wake up and smell the coffee. The sooner they learn about the real world, the better off they'll be. Today's "pats on the back" are promotions and bonuses, and both are considered to be monetary rewards. So, what's the harm in teaching them an important life lesson early? Does a pat on the back or feeling good about the hard work you've done put food on the table or pay the rent? I don't think so. If that were the case, we'd live in a utopia, which clearly isn't the case.

I tend to agree with you to a point. Many people in our society do have a problem of thinking “what’s in it for me”. However, there’s two sides to every story. Parents tell their kids to do their best in school, because it requires an education to make something of themselves in this life. Well, the whole point of acquiring an education first and foremost is to have the skills and ability to earn a living. Hence, the name of the game is that more education received leads to more money earned. In those rare cases where someone studies to become a doctor to actually help people, they’ll still tend to be making more money than most just due to the fact that they have furthered their education. You can see how easy it is to perceive doctors as being “self-serving” due to this. You can’t be quick to judge all of society without weighing all perspectives. You are correct about how silly we’ve become to do away with the honor roll system just to appease those that have trouble doing well in school. I believe that is the real punishment to our students whom do well or try their hardest and are not acknowledged for it. And, certainly if people do vote down levies and books cannot be afforded, schools should definitely not reward money to students when it should be spent somewhere else. However, if the school is able to afford it by simply increasing the amount of property taxes in the school districts equally, wouldn’t it be a wise investment that the community is putting into their children to ensure its future? How can this idea not benefit the kids if to do nothing else but encourage them to want to try harder. It’s not about punishing those who don’t finish well, but about rewarding those who work harder than most and don’t try to skate through school with a C or below average. Why can’t the rewards be based on GPA’s instead of individual grades to prevent over-spending on the part of the school? Everyone would have an equal and fair chance to get paid using this method. It’s not about punishing our kids, but rewarding them for hard work and effort. You can’t teach your kids to go through life with a “the glass is half-empty” mentality and not expect them to possibly fail in their endeavors. That’s just a another perspective.

It's a waste of postage and trees to do that, and strokes only last so long. Seriously, how long would one of these pieces of paper be stuck on the wall or to your refrigerator before you get tired of looking at it and toss it in the trash? What would you tell your kid when you finally take it down? "Try and get another one?" What would be the point to them after that? They already know what would happen to it and how long it would last, which makes it meaningless.

My kids attend a school that provides a coupon for no homework due when our child does well on a test or certain assignments. In fact, our child has accumulated a whole drawer of them, because she does not use them, at her own choosing. She chooses not to utilize them, because she feels if she does not perform the homework assigned, she will miss out on future tests and not answer questions correctly. We have found this to be true with some of her classmates, and yet the school still continues this ridiculous "incentive program". I wouldn't suggest asking kids for incentive ideas, because the majority of the time they are not thinking about how it will effect them in the long run, as illustrated by our school. I would suggest an educational field trip followed by an easy quiz or short essay on what they've learned from it. But, that's just me.

What will you do when this no longer works?

What experiences would you suggest be set up?

Teachers have a thankless job, and yes, in many cases they should be paid more than they are. However, it has been my experience that not all teachers are truly qualified to fulfill this position, which stems from the small amount of qualified people willing to become teachers due to low income and the schools filling open positions with whomever is left over and are lesser qualified. These teachers knew they would not get rich performing this job when they decided to pursue this career. And, if teachers are to get paid extra cash for doing the job expected of them, they should be subjected to a difficult evaluation process, including observing their classroom techniques and interviews with them, their students, and parents of the students. Otherwise, why can't they just be satisified with knowing they helped to further someone's life through the value of education?

You're all for paying your daughter for every A she gets, but you're not happy about her school paying her for them? That makes no sense. You would feel it less if the school was paying them instead of you, even if it came from a small increase in your taxes.

no, schools should not give the kids cash for good grades. however at home we give our daughter $5 for every A grade. my husband adopted this idea from his co-worker who was trying to get his middle and high school daughter's to read books over the summer. he told them $5 for every book completed and book report written, he almost went broke that summer, they were completing at least 4 to 5 books each a week!

No - schools should not pay our kids for what is expected. Instead, we should set up experiences for our children to experience the intrinsic rewards of a job well done.

No. They should give the teachers the cash.

yes, I think it would be a great incentive for kids to truly try and do their best.

yes because maybe if u did kids would try to get better grades

I just had a teacher meeting for the 2nd quarter. There was nothing but praise from the teacher and her grades reflected a lot of progress. I took my daughter out to her favorite restaurant, bragged about her report to family and friends (both in person and on the phone, but makins sure i did so in FRONT of her), and later took her to her favorite ice cream parlor for dessert. I let her stay up later than usual to watch her favorite show and gave her a nice relaxing backrub when she lay in bed. All this, I reminded her, was because I was so proud of her hard work.

I guess you could say she was paid. But she got it in goods and services rather than cash. I still don't think she truly appreciates cash as much.

It was just so nice to see her beaming face when she heard me bragging about her to others. It's been a long time since she's had such progress.

I really think some of these parents who feel "an education is a reward on it's own" are living in quite the bubble. Parents have to do what is motivating for their child. For someone who can freely hand over money to their children maybe that sort of reward is not going to be motivating. However, for the child that learns to earn his/her pocket money, that may be the best system. Putting the cash into a college fund is very clever. Some people need to think of the individual, and get real.

Absolutely, they should reward hard work with money! Kids eventually get tired of the fake praise. It only lasts so long. Plus, this ridiculous "Leave no kid behind" program doesn't provide much praise to hardworking individual students out of fear of hurting other's feelings...let alone allow them to succeed much further than the lowest grade in the class. My parents rewarded me for good grades on my report cards, and I was always on the honor roll in school. It not only encouraged me to work harder at learning, but it also taught me the value of a dollar at a young age. I was no spoiled rich kid, either. The money I was paid went toward my schooling and nothing else, and I have my parents to thank for it. Had it not been for that idea to motivate me, I would probably be flipping burgers right now instead of behind an office desk. It's true that money's not everything, but it helps to know how to earn and handle it when you're young, instead of blowing each check you get when you're older. I'm paying my kids for their grades, and they're doing very well in school.

No! I ell my daugher how proud I am of her and that seems to be the trick with her. I make sure I mage a huge ridiculous deal of of it with kisses and hugs and igh fives. She loves that.

In the adult world it is called a BONUS.

No, but some sort of incentive program would be a great idea. Something fun to look forward to , like maybe a homework free night pass are some I have seen and encourage. Or a party or maybe extra time on the Computer playing something fun, if thats a thing the child likes. Im sure that the kids could give us some great ideas of there own.

I have been rewarding my son with money on all his report cards since 1st grade. I also let him choose a resturant we can eat dinner at on all his progress reports. My son is always on the honor roll. He and I get great results from this method. He listed all AP class for the upcoming year. I feel this is a choice that should be made by the parents.

I rewarded my kids with cash for good grades and it became a wonderful family tradition that is now being continued by my children with their kids.
It worked for us.When the report cards came home .... the kids were their with an open hand and smiles on their ( and my ) faces.It always gave us a chance to talk about school and grades.
Mike

No . But, an inexpensive recognition like a paper ''ATTA- GIRL '' or ''ATTA- BOY'' MAILED to the parents home for child and parent to share at home would be a nice surprise for the student.
We all love strokes and I believe that kids especially need them.

In some communities , cash seems more important than an education. Young adults would rather get cash to help out their families than to go to school. Yes, in some communities I think giving cash as a reward or used as a motivation tool to encourage childern to do better is a great idea. Cassandra, Canton, OH

No! This is just an extension of adults thinking they should get rewards and parties for doing their jobs. It just leads to a sense of entitlement (I deserve something for doing what I'm supposed to be doing), which is already and out-of-control problem in our society. What happened to a sense of accomplishment and feeling good about yourself and your integrity? When did it all become about getting something and so self-serving? One posting mentioned the honor roll, unfortunately, that's been done away with because of the "everyone wins" mentality, we don't want anyone to not make the list, it might hurt their feelings. Besides, what are schools going to pay this with? My children are blessed with being able to attend a very well funded district, but in our neighboring district, everyone votes down the levies and then wonders why they have to close schools. If they can't buy books, it isn't going to benefit anyone to get money for grades. Summary, I want my kids to feel good knowing that they did their best and kept trying, no matter what the outcome. I certainly don't want them to be punished for trying their hardest and not suceeding or not finishing with an A.

NO! The idea of rewarding kids with cash for grades is ridiculous even when it comes from parents. Schools should definitely not have that burden. Good grades, perhaps an extra pat on the back to let them know they've done well should be enough to keep their confidence up. Kids need to learn to feel good about themselves because they do well. You shouldn't have to give them cash or material rewards all the time.

No, they should not give cash!!! But, I think it would be nice if they were rewarded by their name being in a local paper, or getting on the honor roll. At our school, Collierville Elementary, there is no honor roll. I don't know why, but I think they deserve at least that for working so hard!

It would be a good idea if the money was based on a variety of factors such as improved grades, or maintaining a high grade. And the money reward be put into some sort of college fund. I wouldn't have a hard time with a system to reward a child for hard work.

I totally agree. Hardly any of the public schools here allow "recess" - not even a decent lunch break. The kids are not allowed to play outdoors and if so, are very limited for some unknown reason. I think the teachers just don't want to watch them, or there is a "fear" of being sued by some radical parent. Kids need exercise and time to spend with their peers - just having fun and interacting. Through all of my childhood school days, we had stilts, various balls, jump ropes, etc. and I remember none getting injured, save a scraped knee now an again. It's time to roll back the years in much of the school curriculum. The kids would be more apt to go to class and learn, if they have the right atmosphere and ability to burn up some excess energy. Schools are more like prisons, these days.

Absolutely not! This society is getting ridiculous with awards/rewards for every little thing that a child does. They need to work hard and study because it is the right thing to do NOT because there is something in it for them. An occasional reward is fine but all the time, no. What happens then when they become adults? They need to be taught good values/habits now. And they should want to get good grades because it makes them proud NOT because they will get paid.

Absolutely not! Many schools have stopped offering sports, music, and things such as basketballs for the kids to use during nutrician and lunch. Rather than giving kids money, the schools should use that money for paying teachers what they should earn, purchasing balls and things like that for the kids, contributing to afterschool programs. Leave monetarial rewards to the parents.

NO...what happened to lunch with the princpal, ice cream parties, bumper stickers for parents to brag to the world. We don't have money to pay teachers. And making good grades is what they are suppose to do. If this is done we will teach our children that they are suppose to get paid for what they should do anyway.

No. Not cash rewards. Teachers are not paid enough as it is. Where would money like this come from? I'd rather see it go to them. Besides, how many parents are going to take that money from the child and put it towards something for themselves instead?

I am not against a reward though of some kind. Yes, learning should be it's own reward but does one say that about their job? Our childrens' job is to go to school and learn. We get paid why not our children? Make it a special field trip to something really cool at the end of the semester or quarter. Make it a party. Something that would be super fun and make the kids WANT to do better so they can participate.

Yes, I do believe schools should reward students for good grades with cash,because I personally believe it would work better that most of the other rewards that are offered and there are alot of parents out there who cannot afford to reward their children with cash for good grades and I have noticed that students who have parents who CAN afford and DO reward their children with cash for good grades do a LOT better acidemically in school.

Oh, my. NO. Learning is it's own reward. Also, grades alone don't tell you everything that a child has learned or not learned.

I don't beleive in schools (0r parents) paying children for grades.

We have a poll going on this question at GreatSchools.net. You can vote here:
www.greatschools.net/cgi-bin/static/poll_results.tmpl/CA

I believe the reason behind the question is an article in Education Week located at www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2008/02/13/23cash_ep.h27.html?tmp=854340394

Since I expect the highest grades out of my children because that's their job and it's what I expect, I hardly think the incentive should be cash.

In Los Angeles High School in recent years, students with perfect attendance had their name put into a lottery for a new car. I understand what they are trying to do, but what's next? Cash for rolling out of bed in the morning?

I live in Sacramento, CA and posted this question because I've been reading so much about it in the press. Just curious what other parents think...

I hate this idea. In addition, it is very unfair, given that the requirements from a school to another and a state to an other are very different. Also, some kids can work very little and get an A where others will work a lot and get only a B because they start at a disadvantage for whatever reason.

Give honor rolls, certificate of achievements, books, or something like that, but I am opposed to money. Anyway, this money would probably be used better to improve the tools the school has to teach,

Children are motivated by other rewards, like "school store money", certificates of acheivement, and even little stickers.

Also, rewards should be based on personal acheivement, which might look different than a "good grade".

Managing a system like this could become time counsuming, and counter productive.

Grades are very subjective. You can give the same paper to two different teachers in different schools, and they may not rate it the same. While money can motivate some kids in the short term, I think learning for knowledge and it's own rewards is more important. This sounds like a school district that fears it won't make AYP goals under NCLB, and is resorting to "bribery." Can I ask what city you're in?