‘Pay- For-Performance’ Making Its Way To Schools And Colleges

I recently came across the novel ‘Pay-For-Performance’ concept in educational institutions, which set me thinking.

The ‘Pay- For-Performance’ is a business mantra where an employee is paid or given a pay hike based on his performance. But now it is not only related to work but has made its way to schools and colleges. Though not a new concept, it was always prevalent in one way or the other, with good performers getting good scores, grades and ranks. At times, special performance was also acknowledged by special recognitions and rewards.

But now in the schools, the Pay-For Performance has taken its literal meaning with cash rewards. Most of the schools, colleges, and companies are exploiting this business mantra in one way or the other to help improve the child’s performance. For example, a good performance could be traded in for a free McDonald's Happy Meal where a child gets burger-and-fries combo. Even Exxon/Mobil-funded a program in some states in the US like Arkansas, Alabama, Connecticut, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Virginia and Washington where students get $100 for each passing grade on advanced placement (AP) college-prep exams. Some of the schools gave the students a chance to win an iPod, movie tickets, or a dinner for two, among various other prizes. Some schools in suburban Atlanta have programs that would pay 8th- and 11th-grade students $8 an hour (which is more than federal minimum wage of $5.85.) for a 15-week ’Learn & Earn’ after-school study program.

Well, it is great to experiment and use ideas that have worked, especially if it’s for a good cause as for adding to someone’s performance. But what worrisome is that is it right to use business fundamentals in educational system where one works on sales, growth and profits and the other is to understand the fundamentals of life.

The companies paying students for their performance – are they really appreciating them or is it just another marketing tool for them?
The prizes in form of iPods and televisions – are they not making students run after materialistic things?
The use of cash rewards – is this not a bribe wrapped in an innovative way?

Though its true ‘Pay-for–Performance’ encourages employees to give their best but
the work environment, the nature of job, trainings, and the job satisfaction actually adds to their performance and productivity. The more I think, I feel cash rewards would attract students and in short term may help them to perform but it is only a sound educational system, which can help them to learn and grow.

By Vinita