Want a free pizza? How about a new game? Or maybe a handful of cash? Some parents, schools, and stores offer prizes like these for good grades.
Many people say rewarding students is a smart idea. They think it gives kids a goal to work toward. That could make students want to study harder.
But some teachers and parents believe that rewards send the wrong message. They worry that kids will think grades are all that matters. Plus, rewards can be unfair to students who try hard but don’t earn straight A’s.