Paying students for good grades?

Story 1: Good grades pay off literally

Story 2: Learn to Earn

NCLB is having so many positive side effects in education. Now we are paying students in some cities when they receive good scores. We can't think of any better way to spend money towards improving education? This is completely stripping them of any sense of "going to school to learn." Students are becoming more focused on whether or not they're going to be getting $20 for their math test, and over-looking the fact that the rest of their lives will not be incentive-based. How about we put this "allowance" into some kind of fund towards higher education, instead of having a classroom full of 4th graders with nicer cell phones than their teachers. So really, is this what we are resorting to? Teachers have gotten so bad at motivating students that the only way to get them to study is by paying them off?
Bad idea.

Story featured on this Carnival.

<a href="http://www.more4kids.info/uploads/Image/kids-and-money.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.more4kids.info/uploads/Image/kids-and-money.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Story 1:</span><span class="inside-head"> <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2008-01-27-grades_N.htm">Good grades pay off literally</a></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br />Story 2: </span><a href="http://www.pbs.org/merrow/tv/newshour/learn_to_earn.html"><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Learn to Earn</span></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">NCLB is having so many positive side effects in education. Now we are paying students in some cities when they receive good scores. We can't think of any better way to spend money towards improving education? This is completely stripping them of any sense of "<span style="font-style: italic;">going to school to learn</span>." Students are becoming more focused on whether or not they're going to be getting $20 for their math test, and over-looking the fact that the rest of their lives will not be incentive-based. How about we put this "allowance" into some kind of fund towards higher education, instead of having a classroom full of 4th graders with nicer cell phones than their teachers. So really, is this what we are resorting to? Teachers have gotten so bad at motivating students that the only way to get them to study is by paying them off? <br />Bad idea.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Story featured on this </span><a href="http://joannejacobs.com/2008/08/13/step-right-up-to-the-carnival-of-education/" style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Carnival</span></a><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span><br /></div><br /><span style=";font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:100%;" ><strong></strong></span><span> </span>

Houston bans all cell phone use near school

Story: Houston suburb bans all cell phone use near school

Though no danger has ever been caused, cell phones are being linked to virtually all "near-accidents" in Texas. However, when a real emergency does occur, they do have extensive plans for using smoke signals and megaphones to contact local authorities.

<a href="http://img.slate.com/media/1/123125/2110471/2134208/2135431/060208_mb_Cell_phone_Tn.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://img.slate.com/media/1/123125/2110471/2134208/2135431/060208_mb_Cell_phone_Tn.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 255px; height: 286px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Story: </span><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D92G5O5GB.htm">Houston suburb bans all cell phone use near school</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Though no danger has ever been caused, cell phones are being linked to virtually all "near-accidents" in Texas. However, when a real emergency does occur, they do have extensive plans for using smoke signals and megaphones to contact local authorities.<br /></div><span> </span>

California parents may home-school children without teaching credential

Story: Parents may home-school children without teaching credential

Prior to this, they forced students to attend crappy schools and be exposed to problems that hinder their education and threaten their safety. Now, they have that option, or to keep them home and jeopardize the development of their social skills, and never get to dance in a senior prom :( But it is nice to know that parents now have the right to decide what is best for their children.

<a href="http://www.spidentity.com/home_school_diploma.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.spidentity.com/home_school_diploma.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Story: </span><a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-homeschool9-2008aug09,0,858947.story">Parents may home-school children without teaching credential</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Prior to this, they forced students to attend crappy schools and be exposed to problems that hinder their education and threaten their safety. Now, they have that option, or to keep them home and jeopardize the development of their social skills, and never get to dance in a senior prom :( But it is nice to know that parents now have the right to decide what is best for their children.<br /></div><span> </span>

41,000 Conn. students suspended from school

Story: Report: 41,000 students suspended from school

...Not all in the same day, that would be a record. What the study also found, was that overwhelmingly the rates were higher for students with poorer family income, lower grades, and students of color. Generally, it's for minor infractions, such as dress code violations. The lesson here is that schools are trying their best to keep kids OUT of the classroom. I can only imagine what the rates are in other states, you know...the states with real problems.

<a href="http://www.simpsoncrazy.com/gallery/misc/pixel_bart3.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.simpsoncrazy.com/gallery/misc/pixel_bart3.gif" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 265px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Story: </span><a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/connecticut/ny-bc-ct--schoolsuspensions0808aug08,0,3183860.story">Report: 41,000 students suspended from school</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">...Not all in the same day, that would be a record. What the study also found, was that overwhelmingly the rates were higher for students with poorer family income, lower grades, and students of color. Generally, it's for minor infractions, such as dress code violations. The lesson here is that schools are trying their best to keep kids OUT of the classroom. I can only imagine what the rates are in other states, you know...the states with real problems.<br /></div><span> </span>

Non-Hawaiians Sue Over Kamehameha Admissions

Story: More Non-Hawaiians Sue Over Kamehameha Schools Admissions

Basically, these school give whites (and other non-natives) a hard time getting in. Like most other institutions in the 21st century, they are trying their best to separate all colors of people. Hey Hawaii, you've already got beautiful weather and women, how about sharing some with the rest of us? Much like the "brown paper bag" test during the Civil Rights era, Hawaii has instituted a "golden bronzed" test...where if your skin can't get dark from tanning, you're out!

<a href="http://www.izzys-party-shop.com/images/26072.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.izzys-party-shop.com/images/26072.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 380px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Story: </span><a href="http://www.khon2.com/home/ticker/26367654.html">More Non-Hawaiians Sue Over Kamehameha Schools Admissions</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Basically, these school give whites (and other non-natives) a hard time getting in. Like most other institutions in the 21st century, they are trying their best to separate all colors of people. Hey Hawaii, you've already got beautiful weather and women, how about sharing some with the rest of us? Much like the "brown paper bag" test during the Civil Rights era, Hawaii has instituted a "golden bronzed" test...where if your skin can't get dark from tanning, you're out!<br /></div><span> </span>

Employee steals $100K of computers from school

Story: School employee accused of $100K theft

I have heard that one of the biggest pitfalls for introducing technology in the classrooms, was the threat that a school employee will wipe out the computer lab and leave it a ghost town. What's funny is that the missing equipment showed up at a church. Something tells me that Jesus doesn't think to highly of grand theft. Too bad...this guy will not only lose his job, but also spend eternity in damnation suffering for his sins.

<a href="http://www.darlingcetaceans.com/100GrandBox.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.darlingcetaceans.com/100GrandBox.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 296px; height: 296px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Story: </span><a href="http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080806/NEWS01/808060340/1006">School employee accused of $100K theft</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I have heard that one of the biggest pitfalls for introducing technology in the classrooms, was the threat that a school employee will wipe out the computer lab and leave it a ghost town. What's funny is that the missing equipment showed up at a church. Something tells me that Jesus doesn't think to highly of grand theft. Too bad...this guy will not only lose his job, but also spend eternity in damnation suffering for his sins.<br /></div><span> </span>

Teacher Accused Of Soliciting Prostitute

Story: Lincoln High School Teacher Accused Of Soliciting Prostitute

"...he told the officer the cash was only to help her out with college." What a kind-hearted philanthropist. As an educator, he knows the struggles of affording higher education. Unfortunately, he might also know the struggles of sex-deprived middle aged men. Sometimes, you can't win them all.

<a href="http://www.lwcbooks.com/books/images/Hooker-028.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.lwcbooks.com/books/images/Hooker-028.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Story: </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.action3news.com/Global/story.asp?S=8795086&nav=menu550_2">Lincoln High School Teacher Accused Of Soliciting Prostitute<br /></a><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >"...</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">he told the officer the cash was only to help her out with college." What a kind-hearted philanthropist. As an educator, he knows the struggles of affording higher education. Unfortunately, he might also know the struggles of sex-deprived middle aged men. Sometimes, you can't win them all.</span></span></div><span> </span>

Principal allegedly tried to cover-up grade change

Story: Principal allegedly tried to cover-up grade change

Summary: Athletes get failing grades. Principal tells teacher to to change grades so athletes can be eligible. Athletes lead basketball and football teams to state playoffs. Everyone knows that sports come before morals or education. It sucks for the students who actually have to study and earn good grades. We are paving quite the yellow brick road for these students future. It's not contradictory at all.

<a href="http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/2183741/reportcard-main_Full.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/2183741/reportcard-main_Full.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 221px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Story: </span><a href="http://www.txcn.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/tv/stories/wfaa080804_mo_disdprobe.15fbf87b.html"><span class="vitstoryheadline">Principal allegedly tried to cover-up grade change</span></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Summary: Athletes get failing grades. Principal tells teacher to to change grades so athletes can be eligible. Athletes lead basketball and football teams to state playoffs. Everyone knows that sports come before morals or education. It sucks for the students who actually have to study and earn good grades. We are paving quite the yellow brick road for these students future. It's not contradictory at all.<br /></div><span> </span>

School bully problem? Send in the clown

Story: School bully problem? Send in the clown

Really? A clown in the rodeo is the most qualified person we can find to educate youth about bullying? I almost interpret this as the schools way of treating the issue as a joke. I applaud the fact that we are not ignoring this epidemic problem...even though bullying has existed FOREVER, but since kids are wimps nowadays we have to treat every situation delicately. If only the boys from Columbine could have had someone make them balloon animals first, history could have been different.

<a href="http://www.deleon-art.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://kaydeleon.com/ye/images/clown.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Story: </span><a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gxo8nj-_qmnZZUKQvJjoxyUu2-SAD92AVGDG0">School bully problem? Send in the clown</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Really? A clown in the rodeo is the most qualified person we can find to educate youth about bullying? I almost interpret this as the schools way of treating the issue as a joke. I applaud the fact that we are not ignoring this epidemic problem...even though bullying has existed FOREVER, but since kids are wimps nowadays we have to treat every situation delicately. If only the boys from Columbine could have had someone make them balloon animals first, history could have been different.<br /></div><span> </span>

Alabama student planned attack on opening day

Story: Police say Ardmore student planned attack on opening day

OK, it's good that this was prevented. However, something tells me that it would have been diverted when school started anyway because everyone would have noticed a student walking around with swords. This is just another case of a teen being picked on and secluded, and since school violence is glorified on national news stations, he thought it was his only option left. Read the above story to see how some schools are combating bullying.

<a href="http://www.prairieghosts.com/capone6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.prairieghosts.com/capone6.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 256px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Story: </span><a href="http://blog.al.com/breaking/2008/08/police_say_ardmore_student_pla.html">Police say Ardmore student planned attack on opening day</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">OK, it's good that this was prevented. However, something tells me that it would have been diverted when school started anyway because everyone would have noticed a student walking around with swords. This is just another case of a teen being picked on and secluded, and since school violence is glorified on national news stations, he thought it was his only option left. Read the <a href="http://detentionslip.org/2008/08/school-bully-problem-send-in-clown.html">above story</a> to see how some schools are combating bullying.<br /></div><span> </span>

NYC teacher tires of student taunts, sues school

Story: NYC teacher tires of student taunts, sues school

Is calling a teacher a "bitch licker" and throwing condoms at her really crossing the line? Normally this headline would read "Teacher fired for assaulting students," but she appears to have demonstrated some restraint and professionalism. Leave it to the administration to turn it around and blame her for wearing "suggestive clothing." Surprised? Maybe this school needs to start using the paddle.

<a href="http://southnorfolkmemories.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/my_spitball.12282909_std.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://southnorfolkmemories.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/my_spitball.12282909_std.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Story: </span><a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--teacherlawsuit0802aug02,0,6760764.story">NYC teacher tires of student taunts, sues school</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Is calling a teacher a "bitch licker" and throwing condoms at her <span style="font-style: italic;">really </span>crossing the line? Normally this headline would read "Teacher fired for assaulting students," but she appears to have demonstrated some restraint and professionalism. Leave it to the administration to turn it around and blame her for wearing "suggestive clothing." Surprised? Maybe this school needs to start using the <a href="http://detentionslip.org/2008/07/georgia-schools-say-spank-away.html">paddle</a>.<br /></div><span> </span>

School charges students to use lockers

Story: For Choctaw students, lockers cost $5 each

Texas is really pulling out all the stops here. Next there will be a desk fee, a hallway maintenance fee, a cover charge for the cafeteria, and coin operated bathroom stalls. It's really telling about the state of our schools when we have to gouge children just to use space in the school. I feel bad for the poorer students who will be forced to carry around a shit load of books with them all day because they can't afford a locker.

<a href="http://plantwo.byu.edu/lockers/images/locker_images/blue_locker_image.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://plantwo.byu.edu/lockers/images/locker_images/blue_locker_image.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Story: </span><a href="http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/school_9799___article.html/students_high.html">For Choctaw students, lockers cost $5 each</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Texas is really pulling out all the stops here. Next there will be a desk fee, a hallway maintenance fee, a cover charge for the cafeteria, and coin operated bathroom stalls. It's really telling about the state of our schools when we have to gouge children just to use space in the school. I feel bad for the poorer students who will be forced to carry around a shit load of books with them all day because they can't afford a locker.<br /></div><span> </span>