Deep... deep... sigh. I don't know what troubles me more; the concept of exchanging higher grades for money. Or the fact a parent group thought it up... as a fundraiser! (something about apples don't fall far from trees would be appropriate here)
Not the first time I've heard something similar proposed, I think NYC wanted to pay kids for higher grades - I mean after all that's "capitalism" and I guess we are not self motivated enough to strive for excellence unless a cash prized is offered. But this is the first time I can recall paying to "buy" a higher grade.
From the department of "I can't make this up" co-sponsored by "10 Signs America is Falling Apart at the Seams" I bring you my jaw as I help lift it off the floor:
Per CBC News in Canada:
- A middle school in North Carolina is selling better test scores to students in a bid to raise money.
- The Raleigh News & Observer newspaper reported Wednesday that a parent advisory council at Rosewood Middle School came up with the fundraising plan after last year's chocolate sale flopped.
The school will sell 20 test points to students for $20. Students can add 10 extra points to each of two tests of their choice. The extra points could take a student from a B to an A on those tests or from a failing grade to a passing one.
- Principal Susie Shepherd said it's not enough of an impact to change a student's overall marks. (well that makes it ok then!) Officials at the state Department of Public Instruction said exchanging grades for money teaches children the wrong lessons.
I'm still searching for the original story in the North Carolina paper...
EDIT 4 PM - original story from 3 days ago here
Thankfully after the bad publicity, someone with sense higher up the food chain stepped in and in today's paper an updated version of the same story said "no soup for you" principal Shepherd. Can we fire the parents for bad judgement?
Great remarks in the "comments section", I especially liked "GrannieSue"
I have to laugh... While this would be an EXCELLENT example to show the kids how things work in the "real world" - I'm glad someone understands this is perhaps NOT the best lesson we could be teaching our children.
On the other hand - all the parents that would rather buy their children a passing grade than pay for a box of candy ought to be taken out back and told to get their switch. Ethics? Whatever happened to the idea of personal integrity? Passing grades? How about sitting down with your kids instead of a reality show?
Let's not forget - its the PARENT Advisory Council - the parents AND the school are responsible for what comes about in a meeting. ALL OF THEM should be fired.
I can now sleep tonight knowing people like GrannieSue exist. I'm not alone... thank you.
p.s. again, I am *not* making this (truth is stranger than fiction) up but here are the goodies you can buy, the $75 package is especially thoughtful
Rosewood Middle School price list
- A $20 donation buys 10-point credits to be used on two tests of the student's choice.
- A $30 donation buys the test points and admission to a 5th-period dance.
- A $60 donation buys students test points, the dance invitation, and a "special 30-minute lunch period with pizza, drink and the choice to invite one friend to join them."
- Photo ops with Rosewood principal Susie Shepherd, the vice principal, and a home room teacher go for $75. The photos will be posted on a school bulletin board and on the school's Web site.
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Meanwhile I bring you the competition these middle school kids will be facing in about a decade, as we debate if slipping a $20 to Mrs. Smith is a sensible way to avoid actually having to waste time studying.
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