Wow, is it just me or does it seem like expectations for sports scholarships are at an all-time high? It seems like the pursuit of year-round sports has become the norm, with academic success coming in somewhere far down the line of importance. Folks, educational success should be what's #1. Let's think realistically...your student may very well excel in sports, which is undoubtedly exciting. He/she may get a full athletic scholarship; but what happens if they get injured or even worse...graduate? The real world is what's waiting for them, and it's our job to prepare them for it now. What can we do?
One school district in California is blending academics with career paths. While most schools focus on two paths - career (technical schools, non-degree jobs) or college - this district refused to force students into just one path. Instead, they focused on real-world training like job shadowing and internships along with academics. "Linked learning students also report that their studies were more challenging, and offered them a clearer view of their relevance to the world beyond the classroom" (Education Week, 2014). It was reported that students participating in this initiative have developed skills like perseverance, organization and better communication. These are all positive, desired skills that as a child grows will suit him/her in the real world.
Yes, play sports - it's a beneficial part of a healthy lifestyle. Just don't sacrifice homework and study time for it. Keep things in perspective. After all, academic scholarships are awarded, also.
Education Week, (2014). Fusing Career, academic skills benefits, study finds. Retrieved from: http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2014/12/fusing_career_academic_skills_benefits_students.html
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