Pay to Learn$$$$

D'Angelo Dorsey's envelope remained sealed when he arrived home one day last month from his Southeast Washington school. The 12-year-old knew the amount written on the check inside, each dollar tied to his behavior and performance, but he didn't want to see it.

"I'm ashamed," D'Angelo said. "It's too low."

Among three siblings in his family who go to Hart Middle School, D'Angelo is the smallest. But he is used to taking home the biggest check through an experiment begun last fall that pays thousands of D.C. students to do what is expected of their peers everywhere: Go to class, behave and get good grades.

They can earn up to $100 every two weeks. That Thursday, D'Angelo's check was for $56.

Is it correct to pay students to learn? Many will say the time has come, but others will say that some thing are not be compensated. While many are fighting to find $$ for survival and other budget areas, some cities feel it necessary to pay their students to learn. What happens when they get older? What happens when they cannot get the compensation they want later in life? How do you adjust. Can you hear the kid say "I was paid to go to elementary school?"

While some get paid to attend primary school, you don't have to pay for college. Visit www.freecollegeeducation.com for more information.