Bribing for School Attendance

I can’t decide what I think of this trend: elementary, middle and high schools across the country are now offering rewards for perfect attendance. And by rewards, I mean cash, video games, laptops, trips to Disneyworld and even cars. This NY Times article implies it’s driven by the No Child Left Behind program, which rewards schools with more funding for greater attendance.

Advocates say it works: more students attend, grades and standardized test scores go up, everyone benefits. Others say this sends the wrong message, making kids think they should get something for something they are legally required to do.

Does it encourage kids to go to school when they’re sick, thereby spreading more illness? (Adults do the same at work, a trend dubbed presenteeism.) Or are we just teaching them an important life lesson earlier: go to work, get paid; go to school, get a car?