Standardized Test Scores

In childhood, children get a candy for a job well done. In school, students get a treat for a job well done. In society, adults get paid with money for a job well done. However, it seems that students are getting paid for getting good grades lately. In states ranging from Texas to Massachusetts, a growing number of students are being rewarded with cash for good grades or test scores on Advanced Placement and SAT exams. Though money is a good incentive for kids to try harder in school, it has more negative effects than positive.

Based on the research by Richard Fryer, an economist at Harvard, has proven that in order for rewards to work they must be immediate and consistent. Compelled on solving if rewarding kids for grades could make a difference in standardized test scores, he created four reward schemes in four different cities for a one year period. The four cities were: New York City, Chicago, Washington DC, and Dallas. According to the research by Richard Fryer, this is what he did and what he found out: “ New York City: Students were paid for higher standardized test scores. There was no effect on performance.
Chicago: Students were paid for higher grades. Interestingly, attendance records and grades improved, but standardized test scores did not go up.
Washington DC: Students were paid for good attendance, refraining from fighting, and other good behaviors.
There was only a modest improvement on test scores.
Dallas: Students were paid for each book they read. This reward system provided the greatest benefit. Test scores went up the most with this group.
Why did the Dallas incentive program work the best? It’s because the reward was the most immediate (as compared to others), students knew they’d get the reward, and most importantly, they felt it was in their power to do the task (read the book).” This experiment shows us that It’s unrealistic to expect an underperforming student to miraculously turn their academic career around with the lure of a
dollar.

Also, there would be consequences. First of all, where would all the money come from? The government, of course. But wouldn’t taxes have to be raised in order to pay the students, and what are scholarships for? To pay the students. Also, many people wouldn’t like the idea because it would be the money they earned paying the students who get good test scores. Which would lead to cause a significant number of complaints about the waist of money, because the people would be spending money with no gain for them. Wouldn’t it be better to give a compliment or a word of encouragement, rather than a reward of money? Janet Bodnar, a nationally recognized expert in the field of children's and family finances, states “ In my experience, paying a compliment is better than paying cash. Reward good grades -- or consistent effort -- by giving your kids a hug, a word of encouragement, or a spontaneous treat -- anything but money. That way kids learn the personal satisfaction that comes with a job well done.” In other words, this quote means, children should learn to wait for gratification. The point of school isn’t to make money, it is to prepare you for future life.