Student Athlete or Athlete Student?
Big news in Dayton yesterday. The DPS school board voted in favor of lowering the GPA requirement for athletic eligibility from 1.5 to 1.0. Over the last decade, the requirement for participation in athletics has gone from 2.0, to 1.7, to 1.5...now 1.0. This item was not on the agenda for this week or next week's regularly scheduled board meeting where there could be public comment or questions. The board or superintendent did not call a town hall meeting with parents or other stakeholders in the community, but opted to schedule a "special meeting" to discuss and vote on this issue. Only one board member voted against the drop.
There has been various arguments from different viewpoints, some supporting (or at least understanding why he board voted for this), and others who are completely against it and view it as a disservice to DPS students.
According to DPS' public information office, "student athletes who carry a GPA between 1.0 and 1.99 will have to raise their grades each quarter AND pass five classes to remain eligible to play any sport. They must be involved in an hourly, Monday - Thursday academic improvement program that includes tutoring. They have to remain in the program for a year until their GPA raises at least to 2.0. If they do not show quarterly improvement and do not pass the classes, they will not participate in any sports. If their grades slip the next year, they are back in the program for the entire year again."
If this is the case, and they can't play unless they have a 2.0...why reduce the GPA eligibility requirement? Furthermore, I believe all students who have GPA's lower than 2.0 should have he opportunity for this Monday - Thursday academic program that is being offered to athletes.
I believe this is not a good philosophy. Setting the bar this low for eligibility reduces the incentive to perform academically. Many of my coaching friends view this differently. They say too many "good athletes" can't play because they don't have a strong support system to help keep them on track academically and they should be able to play with the given mandatory tutoring in place.
Your thoughts???
There has been various arguments from different viewpoints, some supporting (or at least understanding why he board voted for this), and others who are completely against it and view it as a disservice to DPS students.
According to DPS' public information office, "student athletes who carry a GPA between 1.0 and 1.99 will have to raise their grades each quarter AND pass five classes to remain eligible to play any sport. They must be involved in an hourly, Monday - Thursday academic improvement program that includes tutoring. They have to remain in the program for a year until their GPA raises at least to 2.0. If they do not show quarterly improvement and do not pass the classes, they will not participate in any sports. If their grades slip the next year, they are back in the program for the entire year again."
If this is the case, and they can't play unless they have a 2.0...why reduce the GPA eligibility requirement? Furthermore, I believe all students who have GPA's lower than 2.0 should have he opportunity for this Monday - Thursday academic program that is being offered to athletes.
I believe this is not a good philosophy. Setting the bar this low for eligibility reduces the incentive to perform academically. Many of my coaching friends view this differently. They say too many "good athletes" can't play because they don't have a strong support system to help keep them on track academically and they should be able to play with the given mandatory tutoring in place.
Your thoughts???
I can't believe they dropped the GPA to a 1.0. That is a D average. There is no way these student athletes will be eligible to play their respective sport in College. Playing on a field is a privilege, and if you are not performing academically you should not be on the field. The term is student-athlete, the student must come first.
ReplyDeleteYea, I agree with everything William said. Moreover, look at who DPS primarily serves- minority students. So by lowering the bar, DPS has essentially "proven" that people in this community indeed fit the stereotype of being less than/inferior to the majority. SMH, so sad. Additionally, what does it say about the coach if he says "the students doesn't have support". Shouldn't the coach be the support. Coach, if you know Ray-Ray's mom is never home, why do you not set up study/academic tables. Why are you, Coach, not in contact with the teachers and helping to mentor these kids, fostering a like or even a love for learning. This is a terrible idea. I stand with the one person who voted no.
ReplyDeleteHere is a clarification from Marsha Bonhart, the Director of Public Relations - Dayton Public Schools. Just thought I'd share:
DeleteDPS to encourage athletes to perform better in the classroom
To Our Parents and Community,
There has been lots of discussion about Dayton Public Schools and the new sports policy - and a lot of confusion.
As director of public relations and media at DPS, please allow me to help everyone understand the bar is NOT being lowered - it's being raised. Student athletes who carry a GPA between 1.0 and 1.99 will have to raise their grades each quarter AND pass five classes to remain eligible to play any sport. They must be involved in an hourly, Monday - Thursday academic improvement program that includes tutoring. They have to remain in the program for a year until their GPA raises at least to 2.0.
If they do not show quarterly improvement and do not pass the classes, they will not participate in any sports. If their grades slip the next year, they are back in the program for the entire year, again.
The deal is, improve your grades, pass five classes or you don't play. This is for grades 7-12, girls and boys. Questions? (937) 542-3023
Marsha Bonhart Neilson
Director of Public Relations & Media, Dayton Public Schools
This is more complicated than I originally thought, and I am interested in seeing outcomes out of this decision. There a very low numbers of participation on our urban school teams. At my school, all teams are still actively recruiting and teams have already had a summer of preparation, practices, and some preseason games.
DeleteThe benefits of participation in sports (which increase the number of adults in your life, teach important life skills, and help kids remain focused on positive community impact) seem clear to me, and it is disheartening to see low numbers. I cannot help but feel that some of what DPS is going for here is positive - and I think Dionne's addition provides some clarification on that.
High school aged students need positive outlets, and if this helps them find one, I am into it.
I like participation in sports and activities for students, and have felt that the 2.0 bar has at times excluded some kids who needed the structure of a team in order to mature and learn. Athletes tend to do better in class during their season of play, with study help often being embraced more enthusiastically at such times. Having said that, 1.0 is awfully low. I like the rules about how improvement must be shown, and the spirit of demanding growth is admirable. I'd like it better if the bar was maybe 1.5, otherwise it can look bad.
ReplyDelete