Credit for extracurricular activities?
March 18, 2016
To every argument, there are two sides. This debate is no different. This is the current struggle administration is facing in high schools: should students get credit towards graduation for being involved in extracurricular activities. Whether it be a sport, book club, prom committee, or any other club or activity the high school offers. For students who are involved in these extracurricular activities, it is easy for them to say they deserve credit for being involved in these activities. But what about the students who can’t afford to be in another activity, or the students who don’t have enough time to be involved in anything besides school because they work too much or have to take care of their family? Overall, is it fair for students to receive credit for something they’re choosing to be involved in? That is the present discussion and it is not an easy one.
Here are some of the arguments of both sides:
Students SHOULD get credit for extracurricular activities
Many people believe that students should get credit for being in extracurricular activities. If students did receive credit, it would serve as a motivation for kids to join in activities and clubs outside of the classroom. Being in extracurricular activities is able to vary students’ days, so they are not sitting in classrooms for hours on end and then that is what they do all day. Also, being involved in school activities or clubs has been proven to be beneficial to students’ overall health.
Since students put in so much time into their extracurricular activities, they should be rewarded for it. — Jake Nelson '16
Being in activities outside of school hours teaches students skills they cannot learn in the classroom, such as being selfless and using teamwork and cooperation. On top of all this, it is pointless for students who are involved in sports to take a gym class and students who are in speech should not have to take a public speaking class. For being involved in extracurricular activities, students should be rewarded for their time and effort, and this can be given to them through giving credit for extracurricular activities.
Students SHOULD NOT get credit for extra curricular activities
Many people believe that students should not get credit for being in extracurricular activities. The main argument is that students choose to be in these activities. Kids still participate in extracurricular activities, now, even though they do not get credit. Some students, also, cannot afford to be in clubs outside of school. To be in one sport, it costs students $150 annually. To be in an activity like speech or math league it costs $70. The maximum cost for families is $465.
It is more gratifying for students if they don’t get credit for being in extracurricular activities. — Margo Achterkirch '18
For some OHS students, many do not have time. Some students want to work during their free time or spend time with their families. So, it would be unfair to these students if it credit for clubs was allowed. Being in extracurricular activities can also be a distraction to students, so it would not make sense for administration to pass this ruling of students getting credit for being in clubs. Also, it puts more emphasis on participation than academics. School is the most important concern for students and being in extracurriculars just distracts them from this.