I am sure you have read my take on the state’s dropout prevention grant programs. Life coaches, step dancing, and dropout prevention for toddlers, to name a few of my favorites, received grants last year. Millions of additional dollars will likely be on the way for new dropout prevention programs this year.
Now, research from Stanford University finds that rewards like pizza parties help students learn. From the U.S. News and World Report article:
According to the study, schools that use rewards saw reading achievement improve by 4 percentile points a year. (There was no impact on math achievement.) Margaret Raymond, the author of the report, says the gains are more significant when teachers and administrators work together to support the use of rewards. Successful schools included those that rewarded good grades and good behavior with such gifts as concert tickets and MP3 players.
So, I propose my research-based Chuck E. Chooses to Stay in School program. The Chuck E. Chooses program will employ intense pizza and skee ball experiences to encourage kids to stay in school.
