Fulton County Paying Students to Study

Studying has always been an invaluable tool used to help with the mastery of knowledge and retention of information by memory. In January, Fulton County awarded 40 students at Creekside High and Bear Creek Middle $8 an hour for participating in the "Learn & Earn" after-school tutoring program. According to a news release from the district, the county's efforts are meant to determine whether paying students to study will improve test scores, grades and classroom attendance.

I do not agree with motivating students to study by paying us money. Giving students money for something that is already expected of us gives a false sense of rigor. The reward for studying should be the resulting stellar grades or the increase knowledge in the subject matter, not monetary rewards. If we are paid to study, we might expect to receive something materialistic for skills that should give us personal satisfaction and reap natural rewards. What will happen later in college when the kids who are being paid now aren't receiving any money for studying? I think they might lose motivation.

- Gabrielle Moore | Special to VOX