12-year-old wins car for perfect attenDance

CHICAGO (AP) It took a Chicago Public Schools student a whole year to win an attendance prize. But she'll have to be patient a while longer.

Ashley Martinez won a new Dodge Caliber for perfect attendance during the last school year, but she's only 12, so driving is out for now.

A Chicago Public Schools spokesman says the school district offered the car as part of an effort to boost attendance, which has hovered around 91 percent the last several years.

Chicago's school system has offered several rewards in recent years, including vacations, laptops and iPods.

Some experts disapprove. Parenting expert Nancy Samalin says the main reason children are sent to school is to love learning.

Chicago Public Schools chief Arne Duncan says the rewards give parents added incentive to get their kids to class.

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