Issue 417 Paying Kids to Come to School September 12, 2014

This idea is controversial.  Many see it as wrong to pay kids to go to school as they do not feel it is a job let alone should be treated as one.  But I think it's a great idea, so let's discuss.

Opponents:  Opponents to this idea cite that education is a right/privilege.  That while it should be free for anyone to get an education from a school, the idea of someone profiting off of it is seen as something wrong.  Beyond this mentality that for profit education is wrong, I know of no other form or legitimate opposition to such an idea.  (The illegitimate excuses is that the government will reduce the aid schools/community receives or reduce the number of tax breaks.  When this switch does occur it has caused education quality to go down in exchange for enriching the area around the school temporarily).  

Proponents:  This idea to pay kids to learn is a great idea that will make them want to learn even the most boring topics.  The point is to motivate children to learn and then be paid based on their performance on tests which show their mastery of the subject.  I would also pay the students to tutor each other so as to free up teachers for lesson planning and more hands on extra help/lessons.  This also benefits students because school then becomes treated like a job which enables students to get the mindset they need for when they are finally done with school. In addition to this, this gives students a source of income so as to buy their meals and school supplies from the school (thus the money coming back to the school) and for the students to know what it means to save money so they can use it on things they want or even save for college. 

Conclusion:  The education of students is paramount to their success. It should not matter whether they are paid to get it or not, or how they get it.  It all comes down to the fact that the children are taught to think for themselves and get the skills they need to survive in a constantly changing/evolving job market.  So I say, if it gets kids to go to school then pay them because it is better than just letting them sit there staring at a clock rather than listening to a topic that can potentially enhance and lead them to a future career.