NYC 7th grader Alize Cancel received $179 for her performance on state standardized exams. Cancel, a student at PS 286, is one of the many city students reaping the benefits from the program run by Harvard University economist Roland Fryer. The initaitive is aimed at schools in high-poverty areas and awards students with monetary rewards in exchange for high marks.
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Yasmin Mata raked in $140 for her good grades.
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7th grade teacher Jacqueline Baffoni is happy her students are scoring well and making money for the extra effort they are putting in.
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The controversial program, which is privately funded, has given out over $1.25 million to 8,000 students since September. There are similar programs running in Chicago and Washington D.C.
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PS 286 7th grade teacher Jacqueline Baffoni is seen with four of her students who receieved cash for their grades on the state standardized exams.