High schools offer money for grades

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - A new incentive in Virginia Beach rewards students and teachers with cash for good grades on advanced placement exams.

"I think we're trying to build an incentive for students to take on some of this rigorous work," Advanced Placement Chemistry teacher Patty Cook said.

At Salem High School , Cook has more AP students this year than last.

"They really come away with some great experience," Cook said.

The rigorous course gives students a glimpse at college level work.

And this year there is an extra bonus for students and teachers. Salem High School has teamed up with the National Math and Science Initiative . Through a privately backed grant, students received $100 for every three, four or five they earn on an Advanced Placement exam. Teachers are paid as well.

AP exams are scored on a scale of one through five. A three and above usually exempts students from having to take the class in college.

"These corporations have helped pay for this grant. They obviously have a need for these kinds of workers," Cook said.

The cash incentive covers the cost of the Advanced Placement exam, leaving students with likely no more than $20.

Beyond the small incentive, Cook said the real payoff is the additional training she receives as a teacher and the new supplies every student, AP or not, will now have access to.

"We have a budget that I can use yearly and so I can acquire things slowly. But this was great, it gave us a lot all at once," Cook said.

Salem High School received the grant because it serves many military families. Other recipient schools in Virginia Beach include, Kellam and Green Run high Schools.

Five schools on the peninsula are recipients as well.