Parent Sparks PTA Conflict By Demanding Recognition For High-Achieving Students Over Rewarding Struggling Kids For Mere Effort
“Consistent straight A students don’t get the recognition they deserve.”
Receiving awards is a bit like catching sunshine in a jar—it lights up our hearts and paints smiles across our faces. Because, let’s face it, who doesn’t appreciate a little recognition for their hard work?
However, at one particular private school, their awards criteria were a little…different. At this prestigious institution, every award translated into a chance to win a cash prize. The catch? Awards were solely for improvement—not for being the highest performing.
For example, if a student with a rocky academic past turns 5 D’s and 2 C’s into 6 C’s and an F, they’d earn five awards for each D upgraded to a C, which equaled five entries into the draw to win a coveted cash prize.
So how about the resilient hard workers with pristine records of straight A’s? Surely, they’re bound to be rewarded for their consistently stellar performance? Well, sadly, that wasn’t the case.
Our narrator’s (Original Poster’s) daughter was one such high achiever. Her previous report card boasted 6 A’s and a B, so when she received straight A’s the following term, all she got was one measly reward. Was that fair? OP didn’t think so.
In a sea of parents celebrating improvement, OP raised their hand and proposed a radical idea. Shouldn't those who consistently excel be rewarded accordingly? It was a question that stirred up controversy in the parent community.
Many argued that rewarding improvement was crucial to encouraging struggling students. But to OP, it just seemed like A students were being penalized for their hard work from day one.
Consequently, parents with heavily awarded kids were furious with OP. Was OP wrong to advocate for a fairer awards system?
The story in detail
Reddit.comA bit of background
Reddit.comThe Balance Between Recognition and Encouragement
Dr. Michael Green, a developmental psychologist, notes the ongoing debate around educational recognition versus reward systems.
Research indicates that recognizing high achievers can motivate them, but it's equally important to foster an environment that encourages effort among all students.
This balance is crucial for developmental growth and self-esteem, particularly in children facing challenges.
The criteria for getting awards is something that OP finds distasteful
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OP argued that consistently high achievers should be given more awards. However, this wasn’t well received by other parents who argued that such criteria would take away from kids who worked hard to improve their grades.
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We gathered some reactions from the Reddit community:
“NTB. All the attention and effort usually goes towards the kids that are struggling.”
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“NTB. Improvement should be encouraged, but when a kid consistently keeps their scores up and works hard, that should also be acknowledged.”
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Studies from the Journal of Educational Psychology suggest that praise for effort can lead to a growth mindset, which is vital for long-term success.
When children understand that effort is valued, they are more likely to take on challenges and learn from failures.
On the other hand, if recognition is solely based on achievement, it may discourage those who struggle, leading to feelings of inadequacy.
“If school wants to pay kids for doing well, that's called bribery, and not the good kind of motivation.”
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“NTB. It's a bad system and should be abolished.”
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Creating an Inclusive Educational Environment
Creating an environment that values both achievement and effort is essential for fostering resilience in students.
Educational psychologists recommend implementing systems that recognize diverse achievements while also encouraging consistent effort.
By acknowledging different learning paths, schools can promote a more inclusive atmosphere that supports all students.
“NTB. Going from a D to an A is amazing and deserving of praise. But a D to a C? Pathetic.”
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“It seems like the simple thing would be to give an award for each improved grade and each A.”
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In this battle for equitable distribution of awards, Redditors stood firmly by OP’s side. Some even suggested that each maintained ‘A’ be rewarded with an entry into the draw.
One Redditor reflected on their personal struggles as a high-achieving student who felt duly overlooked. Sure, struggling students need encouragement, but high achievers work hard as well; they deserve to be put on a pedestal for others to emulate.
Do you agree with this verdict? Let us know in the comments.
“All this shows the kids that do really well is that their effort doesn’t matter.”
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Psychological Analysis
This situation highlights the necessity of balancing recognition and encouragement in educational settings.
It's essential for educators to consider the emotional and developmental needs of all students to create a supportive learning environment that nurtures both high achievers and those working hard to improve.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
In conclusion, balancing recognition for achievement with encouragement for effort is crucial in educational settings.
Creating an inclusive environment that values all forms of success can significantly impact students' motivation and self-esteem.
By promoting diverse recognition strategies, educators can support a positive and productive learning atmosphere.
Practical steps include developing recognition programs that celebrate both high achievers and those who consistently try their best.
Incorporating feedback from students about what motivates them can also provide valuable insights for creating a more supportive educational environment.
Ultimately, fostering a culture of encouragement can lead to enhanced motivation and a more positive school experience.
