We've debated in the past whether it's a good idea for schools to reward students with cash for grades, attendance, etc. (I'm opposed--we should reward extraordinary behavior, not expected behavior). Well, here's a novel twist--students paying their school to boost their grades. Reports the News and Observer in Wake County, NC:
A $20 donation to Rosewood Middle School would have gotten a student 20 test points - 10 extra points on two tests of the student's choosing. That could raise a B to an A, or a failing grade to a D.Susie Shepherd, the principal, said a parent advisory council came up with the idea, and she endorsed it. She said the council was looking for a new way to raise money.
"Last year they did chocolates, and it didn't generate anything," Shepherd said.
Of course this made headlines (Drudge picked it up), and the district quickly intervened to nix it. Chalk this up as another interesting but wrong-headed idea from Wake County.