CNN Student News

    FancyEnglish            Learn to Earn            课件首页

        January 28, 2008

(CNN Student News) -- January 28, 2008 Learn to Earn LLOYD: Turning from the campaign trail to the classroom, a program in some Georgia schools is raising quite a bit of controversy. Some people think it's a bad idea; others think it's great. And on our blog, opinions on the issue are just as split. So, what is it we're talking about? Paying students to study! Josh Levs looks at both sides of the argument. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) JOSH LEVS, CNN REPORTER: Kids study to learn, get good grades, get into a good college. But should they study for money? At Creekside High near Atlanta, these kids are getting eight bucks an hour to be tutored in math and science, an experimental program targeting promising students with low grades. ROBB PITTS, FULTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER: If we don't do something, we're doing a disservice to our children. LEVS: The idea came from Newt Gingrich. There's no taxpayer money involved. His daughter heads a foundation sponsoring the program. JACKIE CUSHMAN, LEARNING MAKES A DIFFERENCE FOUNDATION: Is it the answer? No. Is it a possible idea that might work? Yes. LEVS: Some people wrote the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, calling the program "unfair to kids who work hard to begin with" and "one of the dumbest things I have ever heard." Some experts say it could make kids less interested in learning when they're not being paid. ALFIE KOHN, AUTHOR, "PUNISHED BY REWARDS": Rewards aren't just ineffective, they're counterproductive. And we've seen this over and over again. LEVS: Some studies suggest rewards for grades or test scores may work. But these kids get paid for showing up, two hours twice a week. LEVS: There are about 2,500 students at this school, but for this program, only 20 were chosen. As for the money: PITTS: In many instances, these kids are working because whatever they earn, their families need that. LEVS: Organizers say kids with jobs could cut back work hours. But for some: ALEXIS YARGER, 11TH GRADER: The money doesn't really matter. I just need extra help in math. LEVS: 14-year-old Jailyn Brown is in the same program at a nearby middle school. He has plans for the money. JAILYN BROWN, 8TH GRADE: Probably give it to my mom. She needs it. LEVS: After 15 weeks, organizers will check all 40 students' grades and test scores. PITTS: And if the results are as we think they will be, those naysaysers will go away and we'll be able to export this program nationwide. LEVS: At the least, maybe the pay will give some students new incentive to care about math. Josh Levs, CNN, Atlanta. (END VIDEO CLIP)

   

百科知识 视频下载