Proposal would give Texas student-athletes additional credits for sports participation
According to the Dallas Morning News, a high school football coach has presented a proposal to the Texas State Board of Education (TBOE) that would allow student athletes to receive twice as much credit toward graduation, i.e. four years of sports to count for credit instead of two. Coach Craig Agnew, who submitted the proposal, contends new graduation requirements that took effect with freshmen last year discriminate against student athletes by cutting the time available for participation in athletics. Under the new state requirements, students need four years each of math, science, English, and social studies – the so-called 4x4 core courses – along with their electives and a handful of other required classes such as two years of foreign language and 1½ years of physical education. In all, the number of credits needed to get a diploma will increase from 24 to 26 for students graduating in 2011. Mr. Agnew pointed out the new standards allow students to get four years of credit for activities such as band, choir, dance team, theater, and Junior ROTC, but not sports. His proposal argues: “With the impending changes regarding 4x4 and 26 credits to graduate, class period slots will be at a premium, [n]o room will be available for non-credit classes like athletics during a student's junior and senior years.” Mr. Agnew emphasized that backers of the plan, including the Texas High School Coaches Association, “are not against increased academic rigor. We just want athletics to be on equal footing with other student activities.”
Several board members have expressed interest in the proposed rule. In addition, a recent survey of school superintendents across the state will be presented to the board and is expected to show support for the idea. TBOE Chairman Don McLeroy favors the change and believes that a majority of 15 board members also will support the proposal. “I appreciate all that athletics does for kids. It's really important,” he said. “The argument for counting four years of athletics toward graduation is pretty persuasive now that the state has moved to the new 4x4 graduation requirements. It will be a real stretch for many of these kids to meet all the requirements.” To build their case, sponsors of the proposal have cited a study by Coaches Outreach, a nondenominational Bible study organization, which indicated the typical teacher-coach comes in contact with more than 22,000 student athletes during his or her career. Meanwhile, critics of the idea, including some board members, have questioned whether the move might lessen the emphasis on academics in Texas high schools.
Source: Dallas Morning News, 7/16/08, By Terrence Stutz