Yes, He's Serious...Paid To Learn

When I heard he was advocating that kids be paid to go to school, I simply shook my head. When I found out he was a former teacher, I grew irritated. But when I found out he is now a county commissioner (and might actually have some real influence), I decided to speak up. Here's the story...

His name is Robb Pitts.  His idea, good-hearted though it may be, is yet another misguided effort to throw money at a problem, rather than address the various roots of the problem itself. Mr. Pitts beieves that corporate sponsors will line up to participate in the program, and begin writing checks to kids. The agreement, of course, is that they will stay in school and get decent grades.

How much will they "earn?" Mr. Pitts says $7 per hour sounds about right. To me it sounds like a slew of horrible life-lessons guaranteed to start kids on a downward spiral.  Here's what they'll learn:

1. You had no motivation to go to school, and yet you were rewarded for it. Once you enter the workplace (assuming you do), will you now demand additional compensation for simply showing up?

2. Here, let's start you on a lifelong dependency program, and destroy any possible incentive to stand on your own.

3. For those of you who have worked hard, showed up at school, and studied...Well, how do you feel about the kid next to you who is getting a little cash because he/she is a slacker?  What's that? Yes, you're right, why should you bother?

Listen, I don't believe for an instant that this idea will pass. The problem, however, is that once these ideas are floated by people in a position of responsibility, they begin to slowly accumulate credibility. The next time it's floated, a few more people are on board. Eventually...well, you see where that leads.

This is intellectual and governmental laziness at its worst. Rather than understand what motivates - or doesn't motivate - a child, some people prefer to take a shortcut. It never works.  The Big Brain Club could not be more vehemently opposed to this short-sighted idea.

Your comments, of course, are welcomed.

Comments

[The Sarj]

As a 6 years and counting, Middle School Art Teacher I must say that I completely agree with you Dom! I would elaborate; however, you really said it all.

[Dave]

I agree as well. Being a student, I hear the "oh, I wish we had a reason to go to school" quotes all the time, but I tend to just shake my head.

If kids are being paid to go to school, they might as well drop out and go find another job that pays just as well if not better flipping burgers, as it's certainly less work! Smart idea.

[Zach]

I am a student myself, although you may think of course i agree with it then just listen to my reasoning first. Well, it is teaching you that you still have to not only attend but obtain and keep good grades which is like a workspace, if you dont show up and you dont meet the work your supposed to do then do you still get paid. No you dont sometimes you will even get fired. and thats the same with this. If you are failing a class or even have a D then no you shouldn't get paid, but if you are attending everyday of school except for one day a quarter and your friend gets to skip all the time but makes up his work so he still gets a passing grade, is that fair. no, not at all. I could keep going on but i would eventually just start rambling on and repeating something, so that is my reasoning.