Our school does an award assembly to recognize academic achievement based on test scores from the previous spring. We also have a variety of other ways to recognize hard work (Mileage Club, reading, good behavior, fundraising). There are a group of parents who are advocating eliminating some or all of these. What do other schools do to recognize student achievement? What are the pros and cons?

Why would this group of parents not want to recognize the achievements of the students?

I guess I can't think of a negative/con of recognizing students for their academic achievements. It shows the students that their hardwork is noticed and appreciated and it hopefully motivates other students to work harder. Both the elementary and middle school my children attend(ed) have end of year award ceremonies where students are recognized for their many achievements: both academic and non-academic/extracurricular. I have never heard a negative comment about the event from parents or students.

We focus on a Reading Incentive program.

We provide a grade criteria for required minutes per month and every child that reaches that goal is awarded with some inexpensive incentive. At the end of the year all students who participated at least one month receives a ribbon, and those who participated every month receives a medal.

presidentJim