Academics First Program

In conjunction with athletics the following guidelines have been set to ensure that our student/athletes are continuing to achieve in the classroom. Duluth East is an independent in many sports and this must travel to play games, which from time to time equates to missed time in the classroom. Student involved in activities and athletics also have higher attendance and higher GPA’s than non-participants.

Guidelines:

*If a student/athlete is to miss class time for an activity or sporting event they must check in with the teacher at least two days prior to the event. This will allow for the teacher to have time to prepare materials, coordinate testing, and give assignments.*If a team is traveling greater than 150 miles the Coach/Advisor is mandated to have study time on the bus. This time is defined by student/athletes working on projects and assignments. Coaches or Advisors should also be prepared to help facility student –student tutoring.

*Overnight trips on school nights – Coaches and Advisors are mandated to have study time each night. Check with the hotel for available rooms so students can be monitored.

*If student/athletes are not meeting assigned deadlines they will be subject to penalties such as missing practice or games until the assignments missed during an activity or game road trip has been made up.

Background:

The one yardstick to predict “success” in later life (self satisfaction and participation in a variety of community activities two years after college) is achievement in school activities. Not useful as predictors are high school or college grades, or high ACT scores. American College Testing Service (ACT)Nearly seven of ten Americans say high school sports teach students lessons about life they can’t learn in a classroom. Nine in ten believe sports contribute to health and fitness.

USA TodayExtracurricular participation is a school’s best predictor of an adult’s success. Success,” by Douglas H. Health, based on a 40-year survey

”Fulfilling Lives – Paths to Maturity and Ninety-five percent of Fortune 500 executives participated in school activities (only 47% were National Honor Society members). Fortune MagazineHigh school athletes have higher grades and lower dropout rates and attend college more than non-athletes.

Women’s Sports Foundation