How about giving away shoes?
I know, I know, this "earn to learn" debate could go on forever, but I couldn't resist just one more entry...
The Sports Boosters of Maryland and Holabird Sports today announced the launch of their "Shoes for Grades Challenge" at 12 high schools in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. Any student who can raise his or her grade-point average by one full grade from the second to the third marking period will get a pair of name-brand athletic shoes.
Is it any more palatable to give out shoes than cash? And what about the kids who already have straight A's?
For a list of schools participating in the Shoes for Grades Challenge (many of them the same city schools where Andres Alonso is trying to lure students with incentive money), read on.
Baltimore City participants: Dr. Samuel L. Banks High, Forest Park High, Heritage High, Patterson High, Reginald Lewis High, Vivien T. Thomas Medical Arts Academy, W.E.B. Dubois High
Baltimore County participants: Dundalk High, Lansdowne High, Parkville High, Randallstown High, Kenwood High
Categories: Baltimore City, Baltimore County
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Comments
Again, I really doubt that this is enough of an incentive to actually make a difference.
If I am a student getting all C's, a new pair of shoes is not going to make me study enough to get B's.
Posted by: bdc | January 30, 2008 6:37 PM
-I think there's a difference between straight cash and gifts bought by cash. Gifts are usually intended for a clear purpose. Pizza is for pleasurable sustenance. Shoes are a practical necessity for getting around. Cash is for whatever these children (who probably aren't making responsible choices if in this position) want.
-I think the larger disturbance is with cutting out the middle man. A teacher is taking HIS or HER money and CHOOSING to spend it on the children. Same with a private business or non profit. However, with a cash incentive it's coming straight from government. So a tax-paying county-person believes THEIR hard earned money is going towards other people's children without their input. The teacher/business/non-profit had a choice in the matter.
I disagree with this line of thought. Plenty of their earned income goes towards other people's children without their say, and if we look at the state of Baltimore City Schools I think it's safe to say that money isn't being spent efficiently. So if it's already going towards city education why not try something that at least the potential for success?
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