City to pay students for higher test scores
Schaeffer said he believes students will gain an incentive to do worse in class so that they can later be paid for improving grades.
"It teaches students who already do well that they are suckers. We want to motivate students to learn and become lifelong learners," he said.
BCPSS officials, however, argue that it has supplied plenty of incentives for students who already do well.
The HSA recovery program includes funding for principals to hire current students who have already passed the state examinations.
These students will have the opportunity to use their skills and knowledge to earn money by helping their fellow classmates to pass the test.
Similar plans that pay students for improved test scores have been implemented elsewhere, including New York City, where elementary school children can be paid up to $500 for improving test scores and maintaining good attendance.
While that plan uses private funds, the Baltimore City initiative will use public money.
A 2004 federal audit discovered that funds earmarked specifically for Title One programs - which provide special services for underprivileged students - were not being used for that purpose.
As a result, BCPSS agreed to submit to state approval before going ahead with plans for how to spend $9 million set aside for extra tutoring and programs for students in need.
State Superintendent Nancy Grasmick approved the plan in January.
"Ms. Grasmick approved the plan because it was permissible under state law," said William Reinhard, media specialist for the state's superintendent office.
The system will spend $935,622 on the student incentives, part of a $6.3 million plan to help students Maryland's HSA.
The other $2.7 million has already been spent.
The incentives in Baltimore are part of a broader strategy to help older students pass high-stakes tests.
"We expect that students will benefit from the extra instructional supports they will receive after-school and on Saturdays. We also have already seen an increased interest in the community's desire to help our students," Edwards said.
Robert Balfanz of the Center for Social Organization of Schools at Hopkins could not be reached for comment.
"It teaches students who already do well that they are suckers. We want to motivate students to learn and become lifelong learners," he said.
BCPSS officials, however, argue that it has supplied plenty of incentives for students who already do well.
The HSA recovery program includes funding for principals to hire current students who have already passed the state examinations.
These students will have the opportunity to use their skills and knowledge to earn money by helping their fellow classmates to pass the test.
Similar plans that pay students for improved test scores have been implemented elsewhere, including New York City, where elementary school children can be paid up to $500 for improving test scores and maintaining good attendance.
While that plan uses private funds, the Baltimore City initiative will use public money.
A 2004 federal audit discovered that funds earmarked specifically for Title One programs - which provide special services for underprivileged students - were not being used for that purpose.
As a result, BCPSS agreed to submit to state approval before going ahead with plans for how to spend $9 million set aside for extra tutoring and programs for students in need.
State Superintendent Nancy Grasmick approved the plan in January.
"Ms. Grasmick approved the plan because it was permissible under state law," said William Reinhard, media specialist for the state's superintendent office.
The system will spend $935,622 on the student incentives, part of a $6.3 million plan to help students Maryland's HSA.
The other $2.7 million has already been spent.
The incentives in Baltimore are part of a broader strategy to help older students pass high-stakes tests.
"We expect that students will benefit from the extra instructional supports they will receive after-school and on Saturdays. We also have already seen an increased interest in the community's desire to help our students," Edwards said.
Robert Balfanz of the Center for Social Organization of Schools at Hopkins could not be reached for comment.
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