Abstract
Frequently I am asked what types of manuscripts are suitable for publication in the journal of Innovative Higher Education. I usually begin my response with the following statement, “the editorial board is looking for sound research on educational innovations.” I then continue by talking about what is innovative (e.g., new ideas or practices in educational settings or standard practices with new populations) and what is not innovative (e.g., replication studies or rehashing of well-known concepts and activities). With those very general explanations in mind, I am constantly on the alert for educational innovations. This past week, I was not only surprised, but actually rather stunned by the latest reported innovation in education. Well, “it” was innovative—new, different, novel. Do I think “it” is both innovative and a good idea? I want you to be the judge. I came across these innovations in news reports in the Atlanta Journal Constitution (E. Haines, January 23, 2008) and in the Baltimore Sun Online (S. Neufeld, January 23, 2008). Many other newspapers carried these stories, so you may have seen them, too. In three states (and reportedly several more)—Maryland, Georgia, and New York—middle and high school students are being paid (yes, U.S. dollars) for after-school programs and/or improved grades and test scores. In Georgia, the “Learn and Earn” initiative will pay $8 per hour to high school students who are struggling in math and science to attend study hall for 4 hours each week. This 15week, $60,000 pilot project in Fulton County is funded by the Learning Makes a Difference Foundation, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization. Students may also receive bonuses ranging from $75 to $125 for improved grades and test scores. In Maryland, 34 Baltimore schools will use over $900,000 to pay underperforming high school students who improve scores on one of four high school graduation assessment exams. Students may receive up to $110 each. These direct student incentives are noted as a first in Baltimore and are part of a $6.3 million settlement. Overall, the majority of the funds will assist needy students with traditional educational services, including after school classes, one-on-one tutoring, and summer training workshops for teachers. Innov High Educ (2008) 33:1–3 DOI 10.1007/s10755-008-9070-3
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