Community Corner

POLL: Should Schools Stop Giving Awards for Academic Achievement?

Does rewarding academic achievers hurt the self-esteem of those who do not receive recognition?

In early October, a Canadian elementary and junior high school announced it would no longer reward students for academic achievement. The school, according to the Calgary Herald, explained "awards and ceremonies lose their lustre to winners and hurt the self-esteem of students who don’t get them." 

Many parents and students, the Calgary Herald reported, are shocked and disappointed the school will no longer provide an incentive for students to strive for better grades.

The school district had previously held a forum on academic awards which revealed differences in opinion on the merit of the awards.

"There were concerns among those attending the forum that honours and award programs can sow jealousy among classmates, cause undue stress and spur children who are not top achievers to give up because they never win," the Calgary Herald article stated.

Did the school make the right decision? Do you think students should be rewarded for academic achievement? What affect, if any, will this decision have on grades overall? Let us know in the comments or vote in our poll. Note: This is not a scientific poll. It is for entertainment purposes only.

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