South Dakota Pays Students $100 to Pass AP Classes

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6540177.html?q=%22meg+cabot%22+and+oleck

Debra Lau Whelan -- School Library Journal, 3/17/2008 2:05:00 AM

South Dakota has joined the ranks of those who pay students cash incentives. But this particular program requires teens to pass advanced placement exams in science, math, and English—and they must take the class online in the state's virtual high school.
With the help of a $2 million National Math and Science Initiative grant supported by ExxonMobil, the state has embarked on a pilot program that could become a standard for improving math and science education in rural and sparsely populated states across the nation, says Lt. Governor Dennis Daugaard.
Under the the new program, the South Dakota Department of Education is encouraging  high school students to take advanced placement (AP) courses in math, science, and English; they then can earn $100 for each course they pass.
“As a nation, we need to ramp up our efforts to challenge students to take more rigorous coursework in math and science, and to excel in those areas,” Daugaard says. “This grant allows South Dakota the chance to do its part in preparing students who have advanced knowledge and skills in critical subject areas.” Since some schools in the state can’t afford to offer advanced placement courses, the program aims to increase access to these courses by making them available on the South Dakota Virtual School. 
Beginning in the fall of 2008, high school students will be able to choose from seven AP courses offered via the South Dakota Virtual School. The courses include AP Calculus AB, AP English Literature and Composition, AP English Language and Composition, AP Biology, AP Physics B, AP Statistics, and AP Chemistry. Those who pass the course exam with a three or higher will receive $100. 
Wait, there’s more money to be had. The teachers of students who receive passing scores on any of these exams also receive $100. Twenty-five teachers will be selected to teach the online courses, all of whom must have a track record of successfully integrating technology into their teaching. 
The new initiative is an effort of the South Dakota Collaborative for Advanced Placement, whose membership includes leaders from the government, education, and business communities.
The National Math and Science Initiative was launched in 2007 in response to the National Academies blue-ribbon report, “Rising Above the Gathering Storm,” which warned that declining math and science achievement in the U.S. is threatening American competitiveness and security.