Should Students be Paid to Attend School
|
Posted By: Stephen Jones on October 09, 2009 Every day in many large cities 25 percent or more of the students in middle and high school do not show up for school. They have lost faith in the school system where they are consistently three to four years behind their grade level. Students are hanging out whenever they can just to avoid school. Some expose themselves to harm or abuse from their peers and adults just to miss a day of school. This student absence problem is not going away it is growing. It is progressing as parents become more detached from their students education or they are working two jobs to keep food on the table. The attendance crisis is also a clear indication that young people do not know the value of education. They are not aware of the career opportunity that are slipping through there fingers. They do not see that their school attendance is preparation for the world of work. Who will tell them that they get paid for showing up for work? Prisons are full of students who have dropped out of school or rarely attend school. This further complicates their ability to develop the work ethics that should be instilled at an early age In order to resolve these issues school administrators should meet with parents and students to brainstorm possible solutions. Each community can set up a unique system that works. The parents who are at various schools can share ideas that work. For example in the computer industry they hire hackers to test how well a company is protected from hackers and viruses. Involving students in the conversation will give school administrators an opportunity to hear their issues. In light of the attendance crisis schools need a radical solution. Here are some strategies to consider: 1. Pay students who go to after school programs to receive tutoring. 2. Track students study skills so that they will know how to improve their grades. 3. Allow students to earn a one day pass from their school where they can volunteer in the community. 4. Let students work part time during the day and take classes at night. 5. Students can earn points toward the purchase of some electronic item based on their attendance. 6. Solicit companies throughout the region to adopt a school where there are high attendance problems. Also get this company to provide mentors for these students. 7. Get the students involved in clubs so that they can feel a sense of commitment to the schools. 8. If the student improves their attendance they become eligible to interview for internship opportunities 9. Allow the students to attend a cyber school two days out of the week. 10. Students who attend school faithfully during the 9th, 10th and 11th grade can achieve an opportunity to work part time during their senior year. The partners who should be involved in resolving the attendance issues include parents, schools and corporations. Parents should not turn their eyes away from this critical community issue. Complex student attendance issues require innovative thinking. Sometimes students need to be saved from themselves. They often do not have the ability to see how their actions are leading them astray. Their minds may also be clouded or confused by peer pressure. It’s time to engage parents and students in a conversation that influences how schools inspire attendance. Students are constantly asking what’s the benefit of education. The message must be clear that student attendance is an integral part of their life as a students and a future employee. Dr Stephen Jones is an education coach and author of Seven Secrets of How to Study, Parent's Ultimate Education Guide and the Ultimate Scholarship Guide information at www.studyskills2u.com If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Stephen Jones
Associate Dean College of Engineering Villanova Un, SAJ Publishing, www.studyskills2u.com Howard University class of 1983 Member Since May 2005 |
Comments
 |
Stephen, much depends on the teachers also. Take mathematics for example. It was not until I was out of college that I finally found a book that related mathematics to the real world: An Introduction to Mathematics by Alfred North Whitehead. I tried to cut and paste the opening text but all sources I found wouldn't allow me to do so. However you can easily find this book on Amazon, Google, etc. Just read the Introduction and you will see what I'm talking about.
Friday, October 9th 2009 at 1:21PM |
 |
Hello Mr. Clark, You said this, “Learning should be something you want to do” I have a question for you Mr. Clark or anyone who believes that they could answer my question. Let us roll the time back a year 1954 when the Supreme Court said that separate but equal was unconstitutional for Black Americans. Now, leading up to this decision Blacks were fighting the White educational system and would go to great lengths to be educated. So, why is it so different today? Tell me what you think. Saturday, October 10th 2009 at 6:57AM |
|
I would say there is still segregation in the schools based on economic class. Based on the economics there is a sense of hopelessness.
Saturday, October 10th 2009 at 11:19AM |
|
Hello Steve, You said this, “I would say there is still segregation in the schools based on economic class.” Okay Steve, how does Blacks based on economics? In addition, the Supreme Court ruling of 1954 abolished segregation. Now, my argument has been all along that if Black Americans were a sovereign people having complete independence from White America on a portion of this continent would not all of these problems instantly evaporate. In other words, the recidivism needs to stop; do you agree Steve? Tell me what you think Saturday, October 10th 2009 at 11:19PM |
 |
I raised my children to be able to fully understand that they were responsible for themselves to act as if I was at every moment right there with them. I taught them how to trust me with any thing no matter what it was. And, I paid them according to the grades on their report cards.And, since there was always a bigger reward for the one who made me the proudest their was always something special. It sort of caused each of them to try and out do the other one. they never knew at all times what the extra reward would be but they always look forward to my saying you get to choose what it is you want this time...It was always fun and never stressful for anyone or I would have found another way to reward my children...Punishments were avoided by my children for this reason also.(smile) but, I have never ever taught my children that they were unworthy as a person...this also is very important...and yes, Clark and Steve..I remember all of my teachers who made learning fun and enjoyable... for example, I am math brain dead...one day the lady who ran the learning disability section at my community college telling me how Einstine could not do simple math although he was a physic genuis...I also wish I had listened to my 4th grade teacher about how important spelling was to be learned(smile) Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM |
|
and, brother Steve, some people still have to try and put others down just to raise them selves up...but, being poor is not a reason not to wear "clean" ragged cloths...helping your ownself and not waiting for someone else to do it for you can only be done by someone who loves and respect themself.(smile)
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM |
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
JCSU Unique Courses “ LACTATION CONSULTANT TRAINING PROGRAM (CERTIFICATE)”The LCTP is a comprehensive, CAAHEP accredited Pathway 2 training program administered through the College of Business and Professional Studies Health and Human Performance Department at Johnson C. Sm ...more
How May I Help You NC • 45 Views • January 29th, 2026 |
 |
Nation’s Oldest HBCU Football Rivalry Returns in 2026 with 102nd Turkey Day ClassicThe nation’s oldest HBCU football rivalry will return to the field in November 2026 as Alabama State University and Tuskegee University face off in the 102nd Turkey Day Classic. The historic Thanksgiv ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 82 Views • January 28th, 2026 |
 |
🔋🪫🔋🪫🔋🔋🔋Gifts to recharge my BatteryREADY TO EXPERIENCE A MAYWEATHER WORKOUT? TRY IT FOR FREE
Some time is all that’s needed to get on the MAYWEATHER Fitness Treadmill
Have fun meet new friends get close to perfection https://may ...more
How May I Help You NC • 71 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
 |
Enjoy over 5,000 Free E-Cards!In HBCU communities, connection matters, and small gestures go a long way. That's why I offer 5,000 free eCards to help you stay connected and celebrate moments like thank yous, birthdays, and graduat ...more
Shykeria Lifleur • 66 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
 |
Get Patreon for World Cup DiscussionChannel: https://www.patreon.com/cw/rtwcmod ...more
How May I Help You NC • 58 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 70,794,982 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 118,063 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 74,271 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
How May I Help You NC • 61,357 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
