This Issue:

Table of Contents

Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

Mini-Lesson

Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

Good Grades Are Worth Cash

Roland Fryer

Roland Fryer is a professor at Harvard University in Massachusetts. He also works with the New York City public schools. He runs a student-motivation program in which kids are paid for their performance on standardized tests.

I grew up in city schools and faced challenges that many kids growing up in poverty face today. My life is now dedicated to helping students succeed by focusing on what kids think is cool and important.

My grandmother, who was a teacher for 37 years, raised me. Since she had a job and earned money to buy things, I wanted to work too. She told me that school was my job, but that didn't make sense. I didn't get paid for my work! It was also difficult for kids like me to understand why education was important.

When I was older, I thought about how getting paid is a kind of reward. Rewards motivate us to do well--think about when you've worked hard for a pizza party, good grades, or a trophy, or because you love learning. Many parents reward kids for good grades with gifts or an allowance, but some families can't afford that. Mine couldn't.

This thinking led me to New York City, where I've started the Honoring Performance, or HOPE, program. It rewards some fourth and seventh graders, many of whose parents can't afford to do so. Students will earn money by improving their math and reading skills.

Here is how HOPE works: All New York City public school students take 10 tests each year. I know, no one likes tests. The difference for HOPE students is that they will receive cash for their hard work. The better they do, the larger the amount. This year, fourth graders in HOPE can earn up to $250 for doing well, and seventh graders can earn twice as much.

Some people think this could be bad for kids. They worry that once kids start getting incentives for grades, they will only work hard if they get paid. I disagree. I think that kids will find that doing well is fun, and they will be inspired to work harder for their whole education. I wish my grandmother had thought of this!

Next: An Era of Change