Totally fascinated by this story, which affects my life now that I’m a grad student studying to become a high school English teacher.
In a district in Massachusetts, Advanced Placement test scores have rocketed in conjunction with a novel approach to learning: Paying students and teachers more based on how well they do.
Seventy percent of Joe Nystrom’s AP statistics class at South High Community School in Worcester passed last year, and in so doing the students earned $100.
And Nystrom also made out pretty well, getting an extra $7,300 for his efforts. (The money comes from a non-profit group called the National Math and Science Initiative)
I can see both sides of this argument. Side 1: “Hey, whatever works to get kids motivated to learn. If it takes money, it takes money.”
Side 2: “This is nuts. You shouldn’t have to pay kids to learn and do well. What a waste.”
I truly don’t know how I feel about this. New York City tried something similar a few years back and it was quickly scrapped. Maybe it’s worth trying again, I don’t know.
Would love to hear what you think about this.
**And now, just because I haven’t posted a “West Wing” clip in a while, one of my favorite Bartlet speeches ever. So beautiful…
The words “those stories, plus Andy Rooney, tonight on 60 Minutes” are permanently embedded into my brain from early in life, taking their place alongside “you can’t have dessert until you eat more of your dinner!” and “Lewis, give us the answers to No. 15.”
He has been at CBS News for 41 years, appearing at the end of most “60 Minutes” episodes to complain or ruminate about one thing or another. For you younger folks, picture a crankier Jerry Seinfeld with bushier eyebrows, and you’ve got Rooney.
Much as I disagreed with Rooney most of the time (especially when he called my generation a bunch of whiners after Kurt Cobain killed himself), I admired his staying power.
As you may have heard, the 92-year-old finally called it a career Sunday, giving his last appearance on the show.
It was typical Andy: a little cranky, a little optimistic, but most of all, like usual, it made you think a little bit.
Farewell to a philosopher we won’t soon forget.
(If the video isn’t playing below, click this link to see his final words on the show.)
