MD: Cash incentives for students controversial

Schools use cash as an incentive to boost attendance and scores

Christian Science Monitor  April 29, 2008

A Baltimore school is providing students with the opportunity to earn money that they then invest in stocks as part of a class to learn about economics.  Students are able to cash out their stocks when they graduate.  Proponents say that it engages students in learning and provides incentives for students to graduate.  Critics of this and other similar plans springing up across the country raise concerns about the message it sends regarding education and liken the practice to bribery.