A program in Wisconsin that begins this week is worth watching to see if it has its intended impact on student motivation.
The program, The Wisconsin Covenant, promises high school students a spot in college or technical schools as well as financial aid if they maintain a B average, take college preparatory classes, stay out of trouble, and do community service work, according to an Associated Press article.
The cost of the program will depend on how many of the state’s 75,000 8th graders sign up and meet the requirements, according to AP.
If the program succeeds, we’ll have to give a nod to the powers of external motivation. If it fails, we’ll be left wondering, yet again, what it takes to motivate today’s high schoolers.