The question of whether to pay kids for good grades has been debated by educators, parents, psychologists, and even right-wing advocates as much as presidential elections. Is it right or wrong? Is it morally sound? Is paying kids to perform in school ethical, and most importantly, does it work effectively? The answers largely depend on the child and the parental influence involved in the arrangement. One Harvard economist, however, has taken a proactive role in exploring whether or not “paying for grades” is a good or bad idea.
Rolan Fryer Jr. used private funding to conduct a randomized study in classrooms across four major U.S. cities. The study involved 18,000 children, with each geographic area implementing a different payment system. Some kids were paid based on attendance and behavior, others were paid based on test scores throughout the year. In one district, students were paid for meeting certain expectations, while in the last city, children were paid for every book they read. Although the initial excitement about the experiment led to a spike in test scores and increased parental involvement, the real test of whether it worked would come at the end of the year. Fryer was hoping to determine if rewarding children for good grades would have a lasting impact on their overall learning, especially in terms of improving standardized test scores. The conclusion, however, was rather alarming.
The Results: What Worked, What Didn’t
In three out of the four districts, where students were paid based on test scores, attendance, and behavior, there was little to no improvement in overall test scores by the end of the year. These students, mostly from low-income schools, had earned perhaps the most money throughout the year (up to $200 per week), yet they did not learn the material faster or more effectively. Even more concerning, they didn’t retain the information. It became clear that they were working towards a paycheck, which seemed to inhibit the emotional learning process. These students didn’t love learning; they loved earning.
The fourth group, which was paid nominal amounts for each book read, earned the least out of the test group. Interestingly, this was the only group that saw marked improvements in standardized test scores—both during the test year and in subsequent years. These results were unexpected.
As a parent, it’s crucial to understand that children should be driven by a thirst for knowledge. Passionate teachers and engaging curriculums are the best way to inspire students, allowing them to process information because they genuinely want to learn—not because they’re being compensated for it. Sadly, many adults, due to the realities of life, work for paychecks and may unintentionally pass on this mindset to their children. However, when it comes to education, this approach isn’t always effective. School is not a child’s job; it is something they are lawfully required to do.
Four decades ago, a study videotaped preschool-aged children divided into two groups. The first group was promised a large golden sticker as a reward after completing their drawing. The second group received no incentives for their artwork. The ‘paid’ children spent half the time on their drawings and showed less creativity. On the other hand, the children drawing for the pure joy of creating spent more time on their artwork and demonstrated greater creativity and intelligence (IQ).
With studies like these, it seems the most common conclusion would be that paying children for good grades is not the best strategy. After all, schoolwork is a child’s responsibility. Furthermore, many children don’t fit neatly into the standardized grading system used in schools today. This doesn’t mean they aren’t smart or aren’t trying; it simply means they’re not being reached in ways that bring out their best. These children shouldn’t be punished for maintaining average or below-average scores.
Still, many parents—at the end of their rope—offer incentives to their children for good grades. The best approach is to offer the reward at the end of the year, not as a constant motivator throughout. If your child performs well, tries their best, and works to master their education, and you feel proud of their effort, then rewarding them is perfectly fine. When given as a bonus rather than a constant dangling carrot, it is likely to have a more lasting effect on your child. Why? Because they’re learning because they are thirsty for knowledge—not because they’re seeking payment.
It’s also important for parents to investigate potential learning disabilities. If your child consistently struggles at report card time, but shows no lack of enthusiasm for knowledge or intelligence, it may be worth exploring alternative ways of measuring their educational success.
Paying kids for good grades is increasingly common nowadays. Over the past few decades, discipline has become a less favorable option, and consequences have largely been removed from our children’s lives. Many parents believe that focusing on the good and bribing their children (sometimes before they can even talk) is not only effective but also aids in the learning process. Even toddlers are being bribed to eat their dinner, brush their teeth, or sleep in their own bed. As children grow older, the incentive to do what they should often comes from rewards like payments or toys. As a parent, you must consider what will happen when the incentive plan is removed. Will your children handle their responsibilities, or will they lack the willpower to succeed?
Giving your child an incentive for good grades isn’t inherently wrong. It doesn’t imply poor parenting and can be a way to acknowledge a job well done. There are benefits, such as helping your child feel proud of their accomplishments and teaching them the value of money. However, studies and experience suggest that paying for good grades may not be the most effective way to foster lasting educational growth.
One Response
Well this my stall my idea of motivating my grandsons to get better grades. Im looking at put together a system that pays them for improving their grades. The above information pretty much says that is not a good idea. My idea on this was. You get paid for what you know not for what you do know. Yes I am making it more like a job. But what I am trying to do is they can gain money to pay for little things they like without having to ask their parents for it all the time. Their parent will be knowledgeable of all transactions. It worked for me in raising my kids. They got money for A,B,C’s and improving GPA and improving behavior marks. Example my son was 7 getting in trouble in school constantly. I took a $50 bill and put it on the refrigerator and told him if he can go 30days straight no issues we going to the local arcade and he can blow it all. It took him about 4 months to get it done. One time he got to 28 days got in trouble and started over. After that he did not have any problems in school until middle school. I paid him and his sister for grade. All three got degrees before 23 I believe.1 Harvard, 1Wharton, 2 UNR, and 1 Pro football.and two were able to cut cost by getting partial or full scholarships. So we did have some level of success. Looking to repeat with grandsons.