That fact is that I have been trying to do this for years. Grading would be so much easier if we simply relied on market forces of supply and demand.
However, the Goldsboro plan did not sit well with the state educational authorities. Here is how it worked. For $20, a student could gain 20 test points – 10 extra points on two tests of the student’s choosing. That could raise a B to an A, or a failing grade to a D.
This is a brilliant “banking credits” system used in environmental law and other areas. What is missing, however, is a trading system to allow students to broker grades and allow the market to fluctuate with demand. This would allow grades to rise with the approach of exams but allow prices to fall during the term.
Wayne County school stopped the fundraiser, stating:
“Yesterday afternoon, the district administration met with [Rosewood Middle School principal] Mrs. Shepherd and directed the the following actions be taken: (1) the fundraiser will be immediately stopped; (2) no extra grade credit will be issued that may have resulted from donations; and (3) beginning Novermber 12, all donations will be returned.”
Killjoys. Susie Shepherd, the principal, complied but she noted “[l]ast year they did chocolates, and it didn’t generate anything.”
Some of us will not be deterred, Ms. Shepherd. My students know that I am open for business at any time of the day or night. “Donations” should be left discretely in paper bags on the lectern. I am also willing to sell “protected status” to students who do not want to be called upon in class. I also have a new offering this month called “genius for a day.” For a mere $500, I will give you only easy questions and exclaim your brilliance regardless of whether your answer is correct or incorrect. This offer only applies only to cash payments and is not good in any of the 50 states beyond the District of Columbia.
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