Two Georgia schools, Bear Creek Middle School and Creekside High School, are trying out the idea of paying students to attend study hall in hopes of bringing up their science and math grades.
The Associated Press is reporting that the 15-week pilot program is paying high-schoolers struggling in math and science $8 an hour to attend study hall for four hours a week.
Besides an hourly wage, eighth-graders will get a $75 bonus, and 11th-graders $125, if they improve their math and science grades to a B and achieve certain test scores. For the older kids, that adds up to $605 for a semester of studying.
The "Learn and Earn" initiative was developed as an idea from former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. It was developed as a program to boosts student motivation and grades.
The children chosen to participate in the program had to meet certain requirements to be eligible. The eighth- and 11th-graders chosen had to be low performing in math and science, and many are eligible for free or reduced-cost lunches.
When I first saw this news story, I have to admit I thought it was a waste of taxpayer money. I used to work in an inner city school that had very low performing students. I tried everything to motivate these students and found that they honestly didn't care along with the majority of their parents.
Thoughts went through my head like there must be a better way to motivate these kids. Can't someone come up with yet another curriculum? Is their grades really that important in the grand scheme of things?
Then I started picturing that one or two kids that do care but find themselves having too many responsibilities to even be able to complete any homework. Responsibilities of taking care of siblings after school, or having to work part-time to help support the family. Or what about the kid who would love to study but has no place or peace at home?
This can make a huge impact. Kids could actually not work outside of school at the local fast food joint, but instead spend the extra time studying. They could have a safe place, teacher supported to study while making money.
What kid wouldn't be motivated to study if it meant getting money? My only concern would be what happens when it no longer motivates? Will the kids be paid more to entice them?
AP News reports that the $60,000 initiative is being funded by Atlanta businessman Charles Loudermilk, founder of Aaron Rents, through the Learning Makes a Difference Foundation Inc., an Atlanta-based nonprofit that funds innovative education programs and was founded by Gingrich's daughters.
So what are your thoughts on this tactic to get kids to study?
