Cash for Grades

By: hsubba Date: 09/16/2007 11:57:21

In New York City, the mayor has recently spoken out about supporting cash for grades. He believes this can only motivate struggling students to perform better academically.

I, personally, never gave financial rewards to my students for their language progress but I did reward them with parties and food or sometimes, candy. In theory, I guess it's the same thing--providing a reward for a job well done.

The mayor says students will learn this is the way of the world. Afterall, workers in a capitalist society are rewarded financially by doing a good job via promotions.

Is he right or are we creating an atmosphere of entitlement by rewarding students for a job well done? Are we also imparting the philosophy that education is only valued when it can be measured in gold?