Should we pay kids to go to school?

It would not educate or train these children. Children have to be motivated to learn for the sake of learning something.

On second thoughts , an initial inducement such as money could get them into the school. After the children were actually on the school premises it would be the teachers' job to motivate them----and that is another question that it is educators' job to deal with.

My understanding of the benefits system is very basic, but my understanding is that if a family receives benefits for a teenager, she, or he, must be in some form of education.
I could be wrong, and would welcome input from someone who has a better grasp of the system than me, but if this is correct, then, in some way, we do already.

The OP writes she’s in Baltimore, so I assume any benefit system is very different from here in the UK.

In many of the South Pacific nations the children regard it as an absolute privilege to receive an education. That is how it should be. They learn eagerly and willingly under often very basic conditions and when I hear of kids just throwing their chances away and the ingratitude it makes me really angry.

I wouldn't be opposed to some sort of pocket money style system but I think it should be based on behaviour and attendance, not academic achievement.

My local council (Scotland) have given a benefit to children choosing to stay in education after 16 as it was recognised that education would benefit them. There are rules though, such as attendance and behaviour before they get any money.

No.

There should be more vocational training offered.

Georgesgran

The OP writes she’s in Baltimore, so I assume any benefit system is very different from here in the UK.

I think the whole education system in the USA is very different from the UK. I believe it even varies from state to state.

On that basis, I am not sure I understand what the OP is proposing let alone whether it would work or not in Baltimore.

No it’s up to the parents to make sure they go- maybe fine the parents if the kids don’t attend!

Grandmabatty

My local council (Scotland) have given a benefit to children choosing to stay in education after 16 as it was recognised that education would benefit them. There are rules though, such as attendance and behaviour before they get any money.

This is the Scottish Government's Education Maintenance Allowance that is administered by local councils (applies in Wales and NI too). In England students can apply for an Educational Bursary which is administered by their school or college. Both are available for 16-19 year olds.

Thanks OldFrill. I couldn't remember what it was called!