Here's $50 from the Chicago Tribune

http://rachelsedreflections.blogspot.com/
http://ryebread1414.wordpress.com/

I read several reviews from my classmates on the topic of this program which pays students based on their grades in school. I read a review from Rachel, which seems pretty discouraged in this program, and then I read a review by Ryan who really seems to like the potential of it. I have to admit that I am a bit conflicted myself, because I truly can see both sides of the argument and I guess that really only time will tell if this works out or not.

I think that everyone can agree that money is a great motive for students to do well in school or in anything else for that matter, and this could really help students improve their work ethic and grades, however we are losing a piece of that desire to learn for one's own benefit factor. These students will learn to believe that they should only be doing things if there is a reward involved, whcih is not always the case in life. Rachel brings up some other interesting points that these studnents, especially ones who need the money more and live in more povershed areas, may use this money to finance guns, gangs and drugs and lead to more problems on the streets. Just because students are recieving this money for good behavior does not necessarily mean that it is going to be used in that same manner. Also, she points out that this money that we are paying to the students would be better utilized by giving the money to the schools for better facilities and technology that could be used to further enhance learning.

Ryan seems to think that this plan is a good idea because it essentially allows those students with financial difficulties to earn money for college and as he calls it "even the playing field." I agree that if they work this program right, and don't give all the money to students up front, it could be a great motivator for those students hoping to earn money to further their education. He also brings up the issure of inequality and how more privelaged studetns could be utilizing this system when they really don't have to and that money could be spent serving someone else who is in a greater need.

Overall I think this is a very interesting article and theory and I am interested to see how it works out in the future. My personal belief is that this is not really the best plan to help motivate students and I think it could end up being very unfair to some kids. I think that some preivelaged kids might take advantage of the system and take away from those students who are in greater need for it. I also think that the money will not be well spent because these kids are young and most likely will just go out and blow it on silly stuff when it could be used to finance utilities within the classroom.