Texas board OKs giving high school athletes more credit

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Texas board OKs giving high school athletes more credit

11:08 PM CST on Wednesday, November 19, 2008

By TERRENCE STUTZ / The Dallas Morning News

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AUSTIN – In a state where football is king, students who pass, kick and tackle will soon be able to get more credit toward high school graduation.

After lengthy debate that pitted coaches against some school reform advocates, the State Board of Education approved a plan Wednesday to give football players – and other high school athletes – twice as much credit.

The proposal, which could go into effect as early as next school year, would allow four years of sports to count as elective credits toward graduation instead of the current maximum of two years.

The board's 10-5 vote followed often emotional debate, with both Dallas members – Republican Geraldine Miller and Democrat Mavis Knight – voting no.

Supporters said the move would keep kids in school and spur them to do well in academic courses. Critics charged that the plan would de-emphasize academics and return to the days of "football comes first."

Ms. Miller was among the most vocal opponents, insisting the plan would "completely dismantle" many of the education reforms enacted in Texas over the last two decades.

"This takes us back to the way things used to be," she said. "Our school reform movement put everything in perspective, with academics coming first. Now, we are opening the door to water down all the efforts we have made to strengthen standards in our schools."

But Craig Agnew, the Brenham High School coach and teacher who petitioned the board to adopt the rule, said an "unfair burden" exists for student athletes who must meet stringent course requirements to retain their athletic eligibility.

Students in other activities, such as band, choir, dance and theater already get full credit for their participation, he said.

"All we're looking for is equal treatment," he told board members. "The evidence supporting the benefits of sports participation by students is overwhelming. This is an important part of these students' lives."

Under the board's decision, the Texas Education Agency will write curriculum standards for the various athletic programs offered in high schools. Those standards are mandatory for any course in which students receive credit toward graduation.

Board member Terri Leo, R-The Woodlands, opposed the plan, predicting it would "open up a huge can of worms" by encouraging an "endless list" of sponsors of other extracurricular activities to seek graduation credit.

"Do you seriously think that a large number of students won't play football if we don't approve this change?" she asked supporters of the idea.

But board member Ken Mercer, R-San Antonio, countered that it was an issue of fairness.

"Anyone familiar with these activities knows the amount of time involved for these students, and yet under current rules they are told they cannot get any credit," he said.

While he and other supporters predicted a positive effect on the state's dropout rate, Ms. Miller said the plan was "not the silver bullet" for keeping students in school.

A final board vote on the plan is scheduled for Friday.

Under new state graduation requirements – which took effect with freshmen last year – students need four years each of math, science, English and social studies. They also need their electives and a handful of other required classes, such as two years of foreign language and 11/2 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. A credit is equal to one year of instruction in a subject.

In the know: Taking credit

Under a proposal approved by the State Board of Education on Wednesday, students who play football, baseball, volleyball and other sports could get twice as many credits toward graduation.

Now: Student athletes can receive up to two credits toward high school graduation for participation in football and other sports. That number fulfills the 1 ½ credits required in physical education and an additional half-credit in electives. A credit is equal to one year in a subject.

New rule: Student athletes would be allowed to receive up to 4 credits toward graduation, with that fulfilling the 1 ½ credits in physical education and 2 ½ credits in electives. Under the Recommended High School Program – taken by most students – 3 ½ credits of electives are required. That means student athletes need to take only one nonsports elective to graduate.

[Guest Wildcat 08]

8) Good deal.

[PURPLE 4EVER]

IMO...

With the course load increasing to 4by4 (4 math, science, english, social studies) this is a good thing.

The sophomores and those below will really be feeling this in their senior year.

Many of us remember only having to pass English IV and Government our seniors years to graduate, now these kids will be facing a lot more stringent classes in their senior years.

Will be interesting to see if the drop out rate escalates because of this.

It is really sad when you look at how many students are in your district's 8th grade classes and how many actually graduate.

The high school curriculum is all about college prep now and many of the kids (especially in rural districts) will be left behind with this change.

If you have a child below 10th grade you will be expreriencing the course requirement changes when your child is a junior and senior.

Those two years will be a load on the kids.

[Bucof2010]

They should do away with the 1/2 credit of required performing arts or whatever its called. That means if your not in band you have to waste half a year in theatre arts or choir or somthing ridiculous like that.

[TheCardinalFan]

This only makes sense.  I do not understand how some may think this waters down the education process or how this moves things back to the way it used to be.  Student Athletes achieving success on the field of play or court and in the class room is a compliment to the Student Athlete, Teachers & Coaches.  Such success should be encouraged by all school administrators.  The Article makes this out to be a football issue and it is really a Student Athlete issue.