The Carrot and Stick: Paying Kids to Learn

One man said, "we shouldn't be paying kids to do
what they are supposed to do." And a professional
educator commented that instead of dangling goodies
we should show respect to the students. The next time
that professional is up for a raise, I think we
should give him lots of respect - and no goodies
(money)

If kids shouldn't be paid to do what their supposed
to do, I wonder how many kids would not get
allowances for doing the chores they are supposed to
do.

We finally have a school administrator that
understands the concept that has driven society,
like forever: "Effort gets rewarded" or "You get
what you pay for."

If you want your child to succeed how do you
motivate them? Praises and gifts right? Why is this
such a novel concept? If you do well at work you get
praise and a raise, a promotion, right? Shouldn't we
expect our children - who emulate us in every way
since birth, to value the same reward system? Good
grades are a great reward, as is praise from your boss -
but it's the money you bring home that does the trick isn't it?

The DC experiment will likely succeed big time. I am
sure it will be gradual since kids on the bottom
rung are so far behind, but I have hope that what
motivates their parents will motivate them - its the
money honey.

One problem that I see is the potential conflict
between The Teacher's Union supporting mediocre
teachers vs students who want and have the ability
to get higher grades, ergo more money. The kids will
no doubt start to complain of poor teaching skills
or lack of motivation on the part of teachers. This
will really see an upswing in the rush to get into
the best teacher's classrooms and empty classrooms for
mediocre teachers.

There are many stories of bottom rung students
suceeding through the effort and imagination of
teachers - like the Hispanic math teacher in LA who
took his students to national prominance.
There is no doubt that the kids aren't stupid - but
they are bored and seriously unmotivated by inept
and sadly lacking teachers protected by an
incompetant and corrupt union system. If the kids
are paid to learn, they will force the teachers to
teach better and this may actually decrease crime
in schools and save money.

Congratuations to Michelle Rhee!
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American Comedian Draws Laughs at Peking University

US Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner responded to a question put to him by his audience at Peking University by saying that "Chinese assets are very safe", drawing loud laughter from his student audience.

Because Geithner speaks Mandarin his host was unable to excuse the laughter as anything other than the students acknowledging him the court jester that he is.

Too bad his American audience isn't quite as astute.

The Peoples' Repossession
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Ok, Now for Somethin' Real!

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Sorry, but I can only take so much 'herbivore' Euro-trash.
Here's some REAL music
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For Those Who I Probably Offended

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Sorry to have offended a certain group of people on another blog. I, however, DO standby my comment and term. So, here is a pacifier you will likely enjoy: The 2009 Eurovision winner. A catchy little piece that shows I do have a somewhat open mind:

No, it wasn't a comment about J-Pop, though this song does sound oddly similar.

You don't suppose this guy is one of Rob Lowe's kids/cousins?

"I Understand"

The meaning of the phrase "I understand"

When your Japanese counterpart says, "I understand." he/she/it is probably telling you:

1. I grasp the concept and follow your train of thought. (-1%)
2. I understand the dictionary meaning of each word. (-5%)
3. If I ask a question you will think I'm a total idiot; let's move on so I can get a drink. (95%)

Choose which of the above is most appropriate to your situation.

Personally, when I use the phrase: "I understand" (interchangable with: "I see" & "interesting"), I usually mean:

1. I know what you're saying and I think you're nuts. (20%)
2. I know what you're saying and I couldn't care less. (30%)
3. I need a drink no matter what you are saying. (50%)


Thank you Salaryman for the idea.
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Obama "image" vs the Obama administration

Did you watch/notice the White House briefing the other day? Cell phones going off? That is the news media "dissing" the administration. BIG TIME!

Something tells me the honeymoon is over and even though everyone might very well love the IMAGE of Obama in the White House - enough to elect him for two terms - the democrats themselves had better be very careful.

When even your ardent supporters are ignoring you on live TV you had better get the hint because, THAT AIN'T NO HINT!
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