Parents of Good Students Could Get $1,000

(Porterville, CA) Here's a novel idea which I believe would create all manner of unintended consequences.

From the SacBee:

Billie Jo Aldrich-Fallert wants kids to do better on the California Standards Test - so much so that she's willing to pay if they improve.

Aldrich-Fallert, a special education teacher at Porterville High School, believes scores would improve if the state were to give $1,000 to parents whose children score proficient or higher on all sections of the annual test administered in grades 2-11.

Legislative analysts say the measure could cost more than $1 billion.

With enough support, the idea could make the June statewide ballot.

The subject of school grading systems is already a ballistic button of contentiousness nationwide and Aldrich-Fallert's idea won't lessen the controversy.

"My goal is to give students and families a reason to do good on this test," said Aldrich-Fallert, 44, who is married and has two grown stepsons.

Indeed.