New research suggests that paying students and teachers for high scores on Advanced Placement exams can yield some academic payoffs.
Author C. Kirabo Jackson of Northwestern University, in Evanston, Ill., examined the Advanced Placement Incentive Program, a college-preparatory program for disadvantaged students run by AP Strategies, a Dallas-based nonprofit. Besides providing teacher training and AP-preparation curricula for students, the program offers cash awards for scores of 3 or higher on AP tests. Teachers receive between $100 and $500 for each such score; students get a similar amount and a discount on test fees.
Mr. Jackson said students in the program took and passed more AP courses and were more likely to persist in college, earn college credits, and earn bachelor’s degrees than nonparticipating students.
