Should We Bribe Our Kids To Do Well In School??
We have an interesting 'situation' brewing here in the New York City School system: many of our schools are failing and our Mayor, a truly great businessman, Michael Bloomberg, suggests 'rewarding' students with cash for better grades. I just learned of this plan at a school meeting held by our principal. Fortunately, our school is not failing but unfortunately many schools around us are and so are many, many students.
Okay, tough subject for Funny Mom to make funny - I'm gonna try but give me a few minutes. First of all, I think in my own laymen's opinion, (I am not nor have I ever been an educator) that there is way too much emphasis put on standardized tests and not actual learning. I do believe our children are being trained to be good test takers. Bloomberg is also proposing cash incentives to teachers whose students get higher grades on standardized tests - I'm not really sure how I feel about that.
Our Lily is only five and her daily hour of Kindergarden homework contains test practise elements because she's already being prepped for the standardized testing she will begin in first grade. She's already saying things like, "When you can't remember which one is the right answer - a, b, or c - always go with b mama." To which I simply reply, "Really? In my day it was always c." She's obviously learning a great deal.
That aside, should we pay our kids to do better in school? The schools that are failing in Brooklyn are mostly high schools and junior highs and they are facing impending closure - not just a threat either - and some elementary schools in other boroughs are closing too. All in all, about 14 to 20 schools will be closing. Apparently, many of our teenagers go home for the summer and elect not to return to school in the fall. These schools are primarily in low income neighborhoods (but not all) and the number of failing students spands the racial spectrum - it includes all races.
You know what....I'm going to go out on a limb here....why not?! Why not give these kids some incentive to do better. Perhaps many of these students are children of parents who face economic hardship who simply do not have someone looking over their shoulder on a daily basis to encourage them in school. Maybe the prevailing culture of their families and neighborhoods does not place emphasis on education, we need to alter that culture. Obviously, whatever is being done now to help these kids is simply not enough so why not try another tactic? That's all I'm saying, let's try another approach to this challenge.
However, I could see some teenagers saying things like, "$50 for an A is just not going to work for me. iPods cost $200 so I'll need more." You see! Already, you're reinforcing math?!
Many of you might be thinking that if we offer money to our kids we rob them of their internal motivation. You may be right. It's not an option I would ever chose to explore with my own child. I prefer a system of rewards not bribes to modify her behavior.....unless I'm really tired and then I'm willing to negotiate any bribe [give mommy one hour to sleep on the floor next to you and I'll let you watch those Care Bears]....I'm not sanctimommy. I have my weak moments too.
What do you think? Should kids be rewarded for better school grades? Is this a mini-scholarship or just a bribe? Does this bribe really reinforce learning? Would you want your kids being offered cash by the government for a better report card?
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sure why not! we waste money on wars why not on our kids. wegotta try something new
I don't believe that money is the answer, for the students or the teachers. Most of the kids in the less affluent neighborhoods just need to know that someone cares and they may take more of an interest in attending every day. If the teachers spent more time building relationships with their students instead of just focusing on test scores, the school might be better off all around. Mayor Bloomberg should think about using Love and Logic techniques (www.loveandlogic.com) in the school, instead of an incentive program.
I disagree, again as with Bloombergs idean to award parents for getting their kids to dr appointments etc ( I am also a new yorker) the people who do that because its the righ thing to do get screwed. the kids who work hard anyway dont get money. thats not fair.
BTW. I think multiple choice is a ridiculous test system. too easy.
I say yes but I'm still on the fence. Something has to be done not sure just what to do but I applaud anyone who at least tries to tackle the 'challenge' head on.
I love your articles, I can always relate, you really have a knack for tapping into what's current on the 'mom' scene and you really make me laugh. Okay, I agree, give the kids money for better grades. There may be a better long term solution but for right now let's at least try something.
Oh my god, I have three teenage sons so don't complain. Believe it or not, they have more stuff than most girls.
I don't know if paying them to do better in school is the answer but Bloomberg is a great businessman and he's treating our schools like they're a business. He knows business but education is not a business nor should it be treated like one.
I'm not from NY, so this doesn't affect me directly, however I think you need to try something. I don't think giving kids $ for standardized testing is a good idea though, why not for getting good overall grades. This year my daughter started 4th grade and they are now required to take more responsibility for bringing home the right books and papers, no more teachers at the end of the day telling them exactly what needs to go home. So she was being docked for late assignments (because she'd leave stuff at school), wasn't using her assignment notebook effectively, etc. So, we instituted a pay system for her grades. She wants to buy things, so why not pay her for her job. We pay her $1 for a B and increase in $1 increments to a top payment of $5 for an A+. So she can earn $30 per qtr (I don't include music, art or gym because those are "fun" classes). So far it has worked, she brought 3 of her grades up from B+'s in the 2nd qtr so she increased her payout.
The teacher also is teaching them to manage $. The beginning of the year they all got 10 "bucks" with a checkbook and every time they turn in an assignment/parent signature etc. on-time they get to make a deposit in their checkbook. If they turn in something late, they "pay" her, they must always keep at least a 10 buck balance and every friday they can go shopping in her class store. They love it!
Maybe the system in NY needs to think a little more creatively, instead of cash to kids (which I'm concerned about what the older kids will do with the$), what about giving out tickets to a Yankees game or some other event that a lot of under priveleged kids might not be able to afford. And reward everyone, not just the kids who are failing!
Chiming in on multiple choice...HATE IT (couldn't take a test to save my life in HS)...I went to a college in WI that doesn't even give grades, it was the best learning experience I ever received, I learned & I retained. All of our assessments (TESTS) were part essay and oral presentation. Standardized tests can be helpful if the district does something with the information to improve their teaching processes, but they shouldn't put that much emphasis on it.
Okay, I'm done.