Paying+Students+for+Grades?

Our New Secretary of Education Mr. Arne Duncan, a seven year executive chief of Chicago Public Schools, was appointed Secretary of Education on Monday, December 15th by President-elect Barrack Obama.Mr. Duncan is known for his ability to raise teacher quality and transform weak schools.But apparently his controversial strategies did not impress Obama enough to send his own children to the Chicago Public School that was within his own district in Chicago .When Obama was asked about his decision to send his children to a private school he did not answer the question directly, but did state that the Chicago schools “aren’t as good as they need to be.” Mr. Duncan, a basketball buddy of Obama’s for the last two decades, has “cleaned up” Chicago schools by using several controversial strategies.One of his strategies is to PAY students for high achievements (A’s and B’s).I must ask, “Has the paying for good grades improved the learning in the Chicago School System?”I think it has only proven that children CAN learn.But of course they somehow couldn’t learn until they received money.The reward from within was not good enough.The reward for knowing that their good grades could get them into a fine college was too far in the distant future for them to appreciate.The words of praise from a teacher or parent were meaningless.I’m so glad that we have put a “businessman” in charge of our nation’s school.When Obama was questioned at the news conference in regard to the “paying for good grades”, he replied that it was time to put ideology aside and do what works for our school children.Hmmm…it seems that a majority of our school children have been able to learn and achieve without being paid.I wonder what the children, who have suddenly learned to achieve with dollar signs in their eyes, will do with the money they have earned.Do you think it will be used to assist their families (food, clothing, blankets)?Do you think they will use it to purchase an educational tool for the home?Or will they use it on something that will create a greater problem…like drugs? He also believes in rewarding teachers who have helped their students achieve high scores on “the test.”Of course, as a businessman, Mr. Duncan does not understand the likelihood of the same teacher having a “different mix” of students from year to year.He just wants to see “results”…just like all the leaders who have used ONE STATE TEST as the tool for measuring proficiency. If you are concerned about the belief system of our new Secretary of Education and his qualifications for this job, I urge you to write to your local, state and federal leaders to express your dismay. Actually, if you applaud his appointment, I urge you to do the same.But paying students with taxpayer money?Judging performance by one test?Appointing a basketball buddy, who has NEVER taught in the public school system, to be our #1 leader in education? Non-educators as leaders of education cross both lines of our democracy.Decision making, test making and scoring, has been done by non-educators for years.I just thought it would be different this time, because Obama ran a campaign on “change.” My heart is heavy, but my mind and hand are ready to write.Let your concern be known…your right of an opinion has not been taken away…who knows; maybe you’ll even get paid for your opinion. Todd Cole, Teacher, Laurel Elementary