An initiative by some Atlanta schools is raising eyebrows across the nation. Two schools are launching programs that will pay struggling students 8 dollars an hour to study with a tutor.

Forty students at Bear Creek Middle School and Creekside High School, both in the Atlanta suburb of Fairburn, began participating in the program Tuesday. The eighth- and 11th-graders chosen had to be underperforming in math and science, and many are eligible for free or reduced-cost lunches.

The hope is that the bribes will boost students' motivation to learn, attend class and get better grades.

Aside from the hourly wage, eighth-graders will get a $75 bonus, and 11th-graders $125, if they improve their math and science grades to a B and achieve certain test scores. For the older kids, that adds up to $605 for a semester of studying.

Here is a CNN video report on the same story for you auditory learners.

It's worth noting that the sessions are not tax-payer funded, so it's not as though this money is being diverted from other public school needs.

While some see this measure as a great way to inspire struggling students, others argue that it's unfair to students who already work hard, or sets unreal expectations--perhaps students will stop trying unless they're paid.

Do you think this is an effective way to inspire students to try harder in school?

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