There is a controversy about a new policy that may undermine the value of education.
On October, 7th, International Herald Tribune (IHT) reported that the French government announced the plan of paying cash to students who study hard.
It is an education policy attempting to increase both low attendance rate and graduation rate.
France introduced the cash incentive policy which gives up to around 10,000 euros per class.
Literally, if a student does well in school, he or she can earn money.
On October 5th, this program went into effect in three vocational schools in the areas of Paris as a trial run for future participating schools.
The students of these schools will set a goal for the average attendance rate; if they attain it, the government will award between 2,000 euros and 10,000 euros per class.
This money can be used for any purpose ranging from driving lessons to school field trips.
Michell Blanche, the representative of Paris school district, said that this support program is a “creative attempt” that violates no moral issues.
However, others disagree.
The first objection questions whether money is the proper incentive to motivate students.
Jean-Jacques Ahjang, the representative of ‘FCPE’, a left-wing parent organization, argued that this program is an abuse of the power of school administration.
Philip Beurangdo of ‘PEEP'; a conservative parent organization, said, “It is not desirable that money becomes the leverage that motivates students.”
An independent group called SOS Education, took it one step further, criticizing the program through a blog by saying that the French government is bribing students with money and is undermining the value of the French Republic.
Regardless of which side is correct, one fact remains unchanged: as the high school dropout rate rises quickly, especially in minority and low-income districts of France, the voice for reform is getting just as loud. Currently, 13% (around 15,000) of the French young are entering the workforce without high school diplomas. The riot of the young immigrants that broke out 4 years ago clearly shows the frustration that many are feeling.
On October, 7th, International Herald Tribune (IHT) reported that the French government announced the plan of paying cash to students who study hard.
It is an education policy attempting to increase both low attendance rate and graduation rate.
France introduced the cash incentive policy which gives up to around 10,000 euros per class.
Literally, if a student does well in school, he or she can earn money.
On October 5th, this program went into effect in three vocational schools in the areas of Paris as a trial run for future participating schools.
The students of these schools will set a goal for the average attendance rate; if they attain it, the government will award between 2,000 euros and 10,000 euros per class.
This money can be used for any purpose ranging from driving lessons to school field trips.
Michell Blanche, the representative of Paris school district, said that this support program is a “creative attempt” that violates no moral issues.
However, others disagree.
The first objection questions whether money is the proper incentive to motivate students.
Jean-Jacques Ahjang, the representative of ‘FCPE’, a left-wing parent organization, argued that this program is an abuse of the power of school administration.
Philip Beurangdo of ‘PEEP'; a conservative parent organization, said, “It is not desirable that money becomes the leverage that motivates students.”
An independent group called SOS Education, took it one step further, criticizing the program through a blog by saying that the French government is bribing students with money and is undermining the value of the French Republic.
Regardless of which side is correct, one fact remains unchanged: as the high school dropout rate rises quickly, especially in minority and low-income districts of France, the voice for reform is getting just as loud. Currently, 13% (around 15,000) of the French young are entering the workforce without high school diplomas. The riot of the young immigrants that broke out 4 years ago clearly shows the frustration that many are feeling.
