IT'S COME TO THIS – AT 2:18 P.M. ET:   Paying students for avoiding violence.  Well, if it works...  From College Fix: 

This is where we are: A primary school in Philadelphia will give its students a crisp $100 bill at graduation if they go the whole year without getting into any physical scuffles.

According to Philly.com, Mitchell Elementary principal Stephanie Andrewlevich has overseen “significant gains” at the school during her tenure, and the cash payout was her brainchild.

“I wanted to challenge them to be what their families see in them, what we know they are,” Andrewlevich said. “They have a choice — to become the violence they see in their day-to-day lives, or to be peaceful models for our school and our community.”

If she cannot find a sponsor who will pony up the money, Andrewlevich will pay the $3,300 out of her own pocket.

The article cites research by Harvard University which “suggests” rewards like cash are “most effective for things that children can control” — things like completing homework and/or reading books.

Harvard Education Innovation Laboratory researcher Brad Allan says he had not previously heard of financial rewards for not fighting, but “endorsed the idea.”

Interestingly, Principal Andrewlevich employs a “collective punishment” aspect to the incentive — if one student screws up, the entire class loses as a result.

COMMENTS:  In a way, it's the market system.  It's pathetic that we've come this far down, but I'm withholding judgment on this principal's approach.  I hope the press follows the story closely.

February 11, 2018