Green for Grade$

It seems that there are mixed emotions among my classmates about the Green for Grades program for high school students. Most want to give it some credit for the intentions and think that it is a good start toward improving student performance through motivation. I agree that it should be given some credit for its intentions, however, we as educators all know that good intentions are not equivalent to a good educational plan. NCLB for instance has good intentions, but may not be the greatest program put into action. Many also voiced their concerns about the Green for Grades program as well. One had issues with the idea that money is being given to students without having a way of monitoring what it is used to buy. She pointed out that this system could be funding alcohol or drug possession, which I think is a great point. Another had issues with the amounts given for grades, and whether or not C's deserved such a reward. I think a great point that was addressed was that the money does not come from taxes now, but if the program proves successful, the money may eventually come from there. As a taxpayer and future educator, if more tax dollars are to go towards education, I would rather it be used to provide resources in areas where they are lacking to try to level the playing field as much as possible. I feel the most important issue with the Green for Grades program, however, is the kind of learning that it will promote. In many cases, students will only learn what they have to for the money incentives. It promotes rote learning rather than learning for knowledge or understanding of concepts, which is the kind of learning that we as educators should be concerned about instilling. As a future educator I am concerned that rewarding students with money will send that message that there is a greater importance for money than there is for knowledge.

Resources:
http://rachelsedreflections.blogspot.com/
http://johnlundy.blogspot.com/
http://angeladodge.blogspot.com/
http://ldyschk2.blogspot.com/