The Conservatarian

It seems some members of our our esteemed Tennessee legislature want to pay students for good grades. From what I read, similar programs in other states appear to work. I have a few problems with this idea:

• This sets a precedent for children that if they want to do something well then they should get paid for it.
• The only people who should pay for good grades are parents. The state paying for good grades simply brings about another aspect of the nanny state.
• No one is saying where the money is coming from. Is it current lottery money? Is it current tax money? Will it be in the form of new taxes or bonds? If it is tax money, let me remind our legislature: It’s not your money!
• If these rewards come from my tax dollars, will my home school students qualify (not that I would accept the money, out of principle)?

What are your thoughts on this? For more information, go to http://www.wkrn.com/Global/story.asp?S=8046201. There is a video there also.

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Here is the article:

State lawmakers are looking into paying Tennessee students for good grades.The “Education Pays” act is making its way through the General Assembly.12 states across the country have a similar measure it place that rewards students for good grades with cold hard cash.”I think kids respond to cash,” said Rep. Brian Kelsey.  “I think we all respond to cash and then we hope at that point they will also respond and appreciate learning.”The proposal is for a pilot program in the top four counties with the highest number of “At Risk” students.For instance, in Memphis, 175 students, the top students in one grade in one high school would get $100.$100 would go to the top 50 students in one Hamilton County high school.In Knox County, the money would go to 50 elementary students and in Davidson County, it would apply to 50 middle school students.One advocate from Georgia, who testified before lawmakers in Tennessee, said why not give it a try.
     
Jackie Cushman, “Education Pays” advocate, said, “The real question is does it work and that’s why you have a pilot program.  Does it actually work?  We know something’s don’t work.  The question is will this work and I think we won’t know until we try it.”Students wouldn’t be the only ones making the grade moneywise, their parents would get $50 as well.Kim Chambers, parent, said, “I think that would be good.  I think it would give the kids incentives to work harder.Patty Brown, parent, said, “I think anything that can encourage kids to do better in school is very important.”Sue Knowles, parent, said, “It would probably work for my kids but whether or not I agree with it? No, I don’t think I agree with that one.”The “Education Pays” act has now passed in the House Education Committee.  Its Senate counterpart may take it up next week.Texas is among the 12 states already trying some form of paying for grades at 10 schools in Dallas.Officials said they have seen a dramatic rise in the number of students passing advanced math and science exams, attending college and scoring higher on college entrance exams.