Should Students Get Paid For Good Grades

Parents and teachers around the country are experimenting with giving students rewards for getting good grades, and performing well on standardized tests. People believe in these programs because they believe the rewards will motivate students to study and try their hardest. Some parents and teachers are not aware of the damage it could cost. Although there are many reasons why students should be paid for their good grades, there are also many reasons why paying students with good grades sends the wrong message. Paying students for their good grades could make them have more initiative and be more motivated to do well. It seems like schools are always trying to motivate their students to do their best and come to school, from pep rallies

Although teachers and parents may think paying their students would benefit, the attempt to buy peformance won’t last long. “Ultimately, incentives provide only temporary benefits” (Blume). In fact, it would most likely deplete the students actually learning anything. “Some students will quit trying to learn once they've earned a reward for reaching a specific goal…” (Mantell). The students will do anything it takes to receive their reward. Students will even cheat on their test or plagiarize just to get a reward. “The only motivation most students get from rewards is the motivation to get more rewards” (Gardiner). Getting paid for good grades should not be the only initiative motivating students to do well, getting a free education is a reward itself. Going to school, paying attention in class, and gaining more knowledge is the best reward. It allows students to prepare for their future and be prepared for what the future has in store for them. Paying students for good grades won’t encourage them to try their hardest or learn anything. Ruth Mantell says, “Paying for A's can actually discourage some kids from working hard. It can create frustration and resentment among kids with siblings. In fact, if the ultimate goal is to encourage the character traits that will help children fulfill their potential throughout life, paying for A's can fail.” Students will begin to believe that everything they do must come with a reward or it isn’t worth doing, but some things in life don’t always come with an immediate reward. This method will teach students wrong life skills. Students may also take advantage of this opportunity and will do anything to get passing grades. Paying students for good grades just isn’t the correct way to motivate kids to try their hardest and give it their all every