A controversial initiative that pays NYC high-school students for passing Advanced Placement tests has failed to spur more kids to make the grade

Students at 25 low-income city public schools and six parochial schools were offered private money on a sliding scale - from $500 to $1,000 - if they passed their five-point AP subject tests by scoring between 3 and 5. The new program, largely targeting black and Hispanic students, was meant to prepare more kids for college and give them a financial boost to get there. Despite the dangle of dollars, the number of students passing their AP tests in the 31 schools actually dipped to 1,476 in 2008 - down five from 2007, when no cash was on the table, according to data released by the Council of Urban Professionals, which distributes the money. The passing rate fell from 35% in 2007 to 32% in 2008 in a result that surprised even those who have been skeptical of cash-for-kids programs.