Prom tickets to pass a test?

Should we really be bringing students to do well on a test?  With all of the up and coming ideas of how teachers will be evaluated based on test scores and that could lead to them having a job or not are we resorting to anything we can to make sure students pass?  In an article from "Curriculum Matters" they talk about motivating 12th graders to pass the NAEP test by giving them prom tickets.  But in all essence some students just don't care when it comes to taking this type of test, so by promising to give them something do you really think that is going to change their attitude?  Also, what are we teaching them by doing this in the first place?  I am not so sure about this idea, anyone with any other thoughts?