Sunday, September 29, 2013

Period 3: HAVE SPORTS TEAMS BROUGHT DOWN AMERICA’S SCHOOLS?

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/comment/2013/09/have-sports-teams-brought-down-americas-schools.html
1. Read the article.  Consider the author's tone, structure of the essay, and your personal reaction.
2. Please add an intelligent comment (minimum 3 sentences) in response to the linked article from the NY Times.  Be sure to reference specifics from the article.
3. Comment on a classmates post in a second post (minimum 3 sentences)
*Use only your first name, last initial and period of class to identify yourself.

31 comments:

  1. In a way, I do feel that sports teams have brought down high school education, but on the other hand, sports are a very positive aspect of school. Although sports can interfere with time that students can spend learning and studying, sports can bring the school together, and also allow kids to learn other skills besides Math and English. The United States may not have the educational performance of Poland, but Poland probably doesn't have the social skills and endurance that United States high school students do have from playing sports.
    Claire P

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  2. I also feel like in some aspects, sports teams have brought down high school education. However, sports also bring great benefits to students. For example, sports allow students the opportunity to release most of their physical energy that they cannot at school. When a child is more physically active and healthy, this can usually help them in the classroom. The article blames sports for not making education a priority, but physical activity is also important in a high schooler's lifestyle. It is a way to develop skills, relieve stress, and learn team skills. I think there are alternative reasons why American schools don't have better test scores...
    Eleanor H Period 3

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    1. I agree with Eleanor's statement. The article does unfortunately express the opinion that sports are the reason for a student's lack of educational performance. Sports are great for developing skills outside of a classroom and although they do take up time, physical activity is very important.
      Gabby White period 3

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  3. Sports just like any other extracurricular activity have both positive and negative aspects. On one hand, sports allow kids to interact and be social with one another, as well as make new friends. On the other hand, sports take up a lot of time which can interfere with education. The article takes a very accusing stance, blaming sports entirely for the cause of low test scores. Sports provide numerous lessons that cannot be taught in a classroom setting. Some people even feel as though the lessons learned out on the field are more important and applicable to real life than those learned in the classroom. Although, America scores lower than many other countries, those schools often don't offer sports as an option; therefore, not allowing for the crucial social encounters between students to exist. Sports in some ways have brought down high school education, but in many ways they have benefited students in ways no taught education could have provided.

    ~Hailey N Period 3

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  4. I don't believe that sports teams have any influence on the American education system. Being a member of a sports teams develops a persons social skills, responsibility, and teaches them true dedication. Sports teams are also a perfect opportunity for students to meet new people and create life long relationships that otherwise may have never occurred. In my own experience from playing on a sports team I know I have learned many new things and had to adapt to a more busy schedule with time management, which is also an important aspect of school as well. American sports teams aren't what created the gap between American test scores and those of rival countries, it all falls on our upbringing. America is by far one of the most developed countries in the world, and with that title, it also has the top technologies and advancements that can act as distractions to the majority of American students. On top of that, children in America are also brought up differently than those in rivaling countries, with the thought that education doesn't always come first. The average parents of American students don't monitor their studying and homework habits like those of other foreign countries. Sports teams are an essential output for student's stress and teach life lessons through experience at the same time. Without them, students would find other options to waste their time on without staying physically and mentally fit.

    Alyssa C
    Period 3

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  5. I found this article very interesting, as I didn’t think the school system from this perspective. All sports and extracurricular activities are optional and not a must, though they are very much encouraged by the parents and the school. These activities allows us students to spend more time on socializing, visit different school grounds, make new connections (friends), and have various opportunity to face challenges that we wouldn’t face in a math class. Sports help the students stay fit and get them involved. However, I do agree that more time should be spent towards math and other subjects. This is not only to compare our score with other nations but just to have higher understanding level. I actually don’t blame the school for this system, as Kolbert herself said, “This is not a matter of how any given student who play sports does in school, but of the culture and its priorities.” She was very clean and that US is culturally different from other nations. It’s not the school system but the US culture. US is much more culturally diverse than other nations in the world, such as Poland or Singapore. There are people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds and sports and extracurricular activity are very positive ways to come together as a team or club. I think we should be thankful for having sports as an option in high school, and are able to pursue a career based on it. However, I think that the parents should be noticed such information more often so they can decide better for their children in terms choosing between math and/or sport.
    ~Shilpa R Period 3

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  6. Reading this article I was very intrigued, but also very agitated. Before I begin I just want to get some things straight. The United States is not composed of a single "type" of people; rather it is filled with many different cultures, religions, and backgrounds. Each individual has a different speed and capability of retaining information and also different lifestyles, so how could we possibly group all of these people together... granted this argument could also be made for other countries, too, but the United States is a prime candidate for this question. That being said, in other countries - as listed in the article - such as South Korea, Finland, New Zealand, Japan, etc., the overall majority of these people are alike (relatively of course), and come from generally similar backgrounds.

    With this in mind, in the United States you are taught to pursue your dreams. If an individuals dream is to pursue a professional football career, who are we to say he/she can't? Generally speaking, many believe there are valuable life lessons to be learned while playing a sport and participating in extracurricular activities (football certainly not being an exception); some of these life lessons being more important than anything that could ever be taught in a classroom. Sports teams are just the same as every other extracurricular activity, including some math and science clubs. What's the difference? Every person has a passion for something, so let them pursue it.

    I found this article to be very flawed in the sense that it was very accusatory, adding in unnecessary snide remarks such as, "U.S. students ranked thirty-first in math and seventeenth in reading , among seventy-four countries. Meanwhile, they will have played some very exciting football games, which will have been breathlessly written up in their hometown papers." The article blames sports as the entire reason for low test scores. Did he ever stop to think of other possibilities (i.e.: an individual having to maintain a job to help support their family, dealing with a family crisis at home and suffering from depression or anxiety, not being able to sleep at night because of a sleeping disorder, etc)? Nevertheless, the author has overlooked these and proved to be very bias.

    In my opinion, I believe that sports teams probably do a play a certain role in the average American teen's test scores, but that shouldn't be any inclination to get rid of them. As others before me have previously stated, there are certain social and personal lessons to be learned from participating in a sport. Sports may have brought down some of the test scores - and therefore the education being absorbed - but that should be no inclination to remove someone's pride and joy.

    Kathryn C Period 3

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  7. I found this article interesting to read in that it brought up many convincing points. With that being said, I do not agree with issue being brought up. Being a part of a sports team does not negatively impact your academic performance. If anything, being on a sports team may have a positive impact on your lifestyle as a whole. And if you feel like participating in these after school activities are too much, they are always optional. As a member of any sports team, you may take over many roles and improve leadership, responsibility, social skills, and time management. While participating in sports, you develop a schedule for yourself, easily allowing you to accomplish everything that is needed. In the article they directly blame sports as the reasoning behind Poland, and many other countries, beating the US in test scores. Although there might be a slight correlation between the two, there are many other factors that are playing a role in these test scores. One major factor that plays a role in the worse test scores here in America, is inconsistent educational systems throughout the country. Coming from another school system myself, I found Branford having a greater opportunity for me succeeding than my previous school system. I feel that Branford High School does a good job balancing academics and athletics to allow us all to succeed, unaffected by the activities in which we partake in.

    Kevin C Period 3

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    1. I agree with Kevin's response to the article. I concur with the fact that despite the data that hints at sports hindering academic progress, it doesn't take into account differences between the US and Poland. Correlation does not apply causation in this case because in the Polish education system, the school you attend is determined by your test scores and not your residence. Meaning they have higher scores because they place all the "smart" kids into the same school. This is a completely unfair system, that could never exist in the US because everyone is entitled to equal opportunity for an education and just because a student learns at a slower rate doesn't mean they should have to attend an inferior school.

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    2. Wow Campos, way to steal my quote.
      "Correlation does not IMPLY causation..."
      Get it right, at least.
      Love,
      Someone from Period 2

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  8. I don't agree with this article at all. From the very beginning the author has stated biased and throughout it they continue to state their opposition to sports and education. In the beginning she mentioned the story of "Tom, a high-school student from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, who decides to spend his senior year in Wroclaw, Poland." She claims that since Tom went away and didn't play sports that his education improved. This blows my mind that she thinks that's the sole reason. There are so many other factors that can account to that such as having no friends in a new place and the pressure to do well when given a very rare opportunity. She is just misleading and trying to make the reader think that that is a legitimate claim. She also compares America's reading and math scores to the other countries of the world. Though those facts are true, there are much more people in the United States than there are in many of the other countries so the chance that we are to have outliers in our statistics is much greater. I feel that the author of this article is overly biased and has no actual facts or proof on whether or not playing sports have effect on grades.
    Alec Janis

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    1. I agree that the author was extremely biased and misleading by forcing the blame on sports. She avoided the discussion of any other possible reasons, because, like you said, there is no way that sports can be the only reason for bad test scores. I agree that there is no solid proof that even legitimate statistics about America's education have any real correlation to sports.
      Cara B. Period 3

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  9. I don't agree with this article at all. From the very beginning the author has stated biased and throughout it they continue to state their opposition to sports and education. In the beginning she mentioned the story of "Tom, a high-school student from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, who decides to spend his senior year in Wroclaw, Poland." She claims that since Tom went away and didn't play sports that his education improved. This blows my mind that she thinks that's the sole reason. There are so many other factors that can account to that such as having no friends in a new place and the pressure to do well when given a very rare opportunity. She is just misleading and trying to make the reader think that that is a legitimate claim. She also compares America's reading and math scores to the other countries of the world. Though those facts are true, there are much more people in the United States than there are in many of the other countries so the chance that we are to have outliers in our statistics is much greater. I feel that the author of this article is overly biased and has no actual facts or proof on whether or not playing sports have effect on grades.
    Alec Janis

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  10. I agree slightly with the author of the article, even though she didn't go about stating her opinions "kindly". There are obviously many people out there (students or parents) that do care more about a sport rather than education. But, that does not mean sports are solely what a person is thinking about. Just because someone is dedicated to a sport that they very much enjoy doing, does not mean one does not care about his or her academic performances. The way a person focuses on school depends on themselves and or influence from their parents or peers, whereas in the article the author, Elizabeth Kolbert, pushes that sports are the main bad cause. Then she continues to back up her information by stating evidence that schools around the world that do not offer any sports at all rank higher than American students with certain subjects.

    Kolbert can possibly have a point, because there is evidence that shows when a student went to Poland for his senior year his grades improved; assuming they improved because there was no football to focus on. Taking out football could have definitely influenced more focus in school, but sports are not the main cause for academic levels. Sports are actually very helpful; they keep kids in-shape and teach them to work together with others. Working and practicing with any sport team teaches things that a classroom can’t teach.

    Gabby White Period 3

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  11. While I understand where the author is coming from when she contends that the focus on sports in American schools is overshadowing the learning process, I don't think it is the schools that are at fault, but the mindset of the American public. It is not a secret that prowess in athletic endeavors is seen as more impressive as academic ability, and it has been an ongoing trend. Even colleges and universities have had a history of accepting and aiding students based on their athletic achievements. And there is nothing at all wrong with that except if schools are neglecting academics completely when they do that. I don't agree with the author at all when she says that we are , "[leaving] educational policy to fourteen-year-olds." That isn't the case at all, our kids are still receiving an education and sports are a beneficial component to the learning process. In addition, the author also doesn't have much ground to talk about school athletics when she herself admits she wasn't involved in them and was cut from the tennis team. Given that she can't understand the benefits sports provide our students.Sports enhance social skills, improve eye hand coordination and teaches students to live a more active lifestyle. It teaches them the concept of teamwork and unity and provides them with life lessons that just can't be taught in a classroom. It's a different skill set from what is taught in academia but nonetheless just as important. But to restate, not more important as academia. I believe that in order to have a more successful educational system here there needs to be some sort of balance between both and not a constant power struggle. And I also believe that the american public as a whole needs to develop a more positive mindset towards academia in order to influence our students to put just as much effort into academics as they currently do with athletics.
    Justin C. Period 3

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    1. I agree completely with your points, Justin. While it may be unfair that sports can play a significant role in college admission, I do believe that sports provide more good than they do harm. Without sports, kids probably wouldn't be able to thrive in life when they lack such social skills and life habits that are taught by sports teams. Great habits start early.
      Jared P Period 3

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  12. After reading the article, I can see both perspectives and opinions on why school sport's team may or may not affect student's scores. Sports are optional. Most schools are not saying "in order to attend you must play a sport". Most people who know they can handle a sport and schoolwork chose to participate, while those who think they cannot handle the commitments do not. I know there are also students who are extremely passionate about a sport, but it is hard for them to handle the schoolwork too, resulting in lower grades. Not everyone cares more about sports than school, I'm sure there are some, but not absolutely everybody. Our school also set certain rules on needing to maintain a certain grade point average to play, but I'm not sure if that rule is enforced, which may be a whole different problem by itself. I don't agree with the author's opinions on how teachers doubling as coaches makes confusion about what school is about. If anything, having your coach being your teacher may make a student actually more encouraged and comfortable in the school environment.

    I'm sure that highschool sports do affect grade averages, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's all bad. Sports teach things that cannot be taught in a classroom, like different social skills, accepting losses, learning to work with other people, etc, which can help with later career needs, even if that career does not have to do with a sport. Sports also give exercise and stress relief from sitting in a schools for eight hours a day.

    Getting rid of sports may increase grade averages, but that doesn't mean it's the right thing to do. There are many more reasons as to why averages are lower, and maybe those should be recognized before blaming it all on sports.

    Emma Period 3

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  13. This article points out all the flaws in sports in regard to education and tests scores, but identifies none of the positive aspects of being part of a team that teaches kids how to build confidence, self esteem, respect, friendships, courage, and teamwork. The dedication and love that athletes have for their sports begins to shine through into other aspects of life; I know I work harder and longer on homework when in season even though I start it drastically later in the night than if I hadn't had a game or practice. Why? Because i'm learning time management and determination, two things I would never learn sitting in a math class. The author is pointing fingers at activities that most likely have nothing to do with the bad scores. Why not look at the curriculum set up for the students, and blame what's directly related to the student’s education. Instead, sports, which do nothing but help students build characteristics to help them manage the flawed school system, are being criticized for taking too much time away from the unnecessary hours of homework that students have. The biased opinions in this article frustrate me because it seems that the author is going out of her way to blame sports when there is a more obvious reason as to why American school systems aren't ranked the best in the world. Was the author really surprised that her children didn't mind go to soccer practice during the summer, but would've hated to go sit in a 2 hour math class before school actually started? Being blind to the obvious, which is that children obviously enjoy the benefits of having sports in their lives, is what made this article seem to not have any substantial influence on me; the author didn't identify any of the opposing argument to successfully pursued the reader of reasons why despite the hard work, courage, determination, strength, and sportsmanship that sports teach, they are still are negatively impacting education. Mainly, because there are none.
    Cara B. Period 3

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    1. I agree with Cara because the author of this article, Kolbert was bias with her view points. She did not at all state the positive aspects of playing sports and it's health benefits to students. I mean I think America needs to focus more on being physically active, due to unhealthy diet habits which leads to being over weight. Why didn't the author state the benefits of being in a sports team?

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  14. It is pretty obvious that as a whole, American education isn't what it used to be. It could be the result of sports teams, as the article states, or poor funding, and I believe it is the latter. While i understand the point from the article, that some students, as well as parents, care more about sports than they do about school subjects; I do not necessarily agree that this is a "problem". Is there really any harm in showing interest in a sport? If anything, it makes students more well rounded individuals, as well as teaching them character and life skills that no other experience can do. Rather, i believe it is caused by the lack of funding in the American education system. In the past 50 years or so, it is clear that public schools aren't federally funded as well as they used to be, therefore, the resulting education our students receive will correlate. One question I have is: Does this article refers to private schools as well? I believe that if not, the points made aren't really valid because most private schools force sports upon their kids, and we don't see their math grades falling.
    Jared P Period 3

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  15. I felt that the article, ‘HAVE SPORTS TEAMS BROUGHT DOWN AMERICA’S SCHOOLS?” was bias because it only stated how removing sports would be beneficial to receiving better test scores. It did not have many statistical evidence or reasoning to back up the argument either. This article is not persuasive because it does not refute the opposing viewpoint that sports can be beneficial. For example, I believe that we should encourage students to be more physically active by joining sports team because America's obesity rate is raising.For many students, being active in sports is a way to build endurance, spirit, confidence, and unity. These skills are not taught in a typical math classroom. There may be a slight correlation between bad math or reading scores and spending time on sports, but I do not think it is leading cause of students receiving bad grades.
    I believe that the influence teenagers are getting affects tests scores more than playing sports. In today’s culture, it seems as though partying, drinking, smoking, and having sex is being popularized and glorified by the media. This influences teens to be more attracted to going to parties and neglecting the work load. The ‘YOLO’ atmosphere that teens today have is more likely the reason why students don’t put effort and time into their homework. As the article states, “This is not a matter of how any given student who play sports does in school, but of the culture and its priorities” However, even students who put effort into their work can be over stressed and pressured. I believe that the technological advancement may also be the cause for low academic scores because most teens have an I-phone on the palms of their hands, constantly updating, tweeting or texting instead of being attentive or focusing on work. Technology is also an easy way to get answers or quick translations online that encourages students to cheat. So, instead of blaming sports for low academic scores in the US compared to various countries of the world, we should look at the cultural and societal aspects that affect an individual in his/ her daily life.
    -Reitsuma P

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  16. Team sports are essential to the development of both brain and physical growth in high school students. They have a chance to learn what it is like to work with fellow peers and to have to truly give it your all if you want to win. They prepare you for situations that you find in the real world, like working under stress or working together to help each other succeed. There is no class in school that can teach you self perseverance and determination. It is also a chance for kids to meet new friends who they share something in common with, and sometimes they form bonds that will last the rest of their lives. It teaches them to work their hardest because if they don't the people around them will suffer for it. I play football and i know what it is like to truly let a teammate down, and what it is like to be let down by your teammates. You want to never feel like that again and you learn to push yourself to limits that can not be described. It installs in you a will to fight that will get you through the toughest situations later on in life. Most importantly, it teaches you to never ever give up, even if you are down 100-0 you keep fighting because you know that no matter what there is always hope, and even the deepest darkness can be conquered. None of these things can be tested on, and certainly can not be taught in a classroom. That is why high school sports are essential to our nation's future and as long as we teach them to never give up, than this country will always have hope. Mike B. Period 3

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  17. I do believe that sports teams have brought down America's schools. This is because, as stated in the article, "there was no confusion about what school was for - or what mattered to the kids' life chances." School is supposed to be about teachers and classes and homework and tests, not about games and pep.
    In my opinion, the author of this article did not bring up the best points, and the points that she did bring up were mentioned with a tone that was simply not pleasant to read. So, aside from what is written in the article, my personal knowledge with sports' effect on my school experience is most certainly evidence stating that they are bad for the student's academics. First of all, because of sports practices and games, school is forced to end a certain time, which, of course, means that school has to start and an absurdly early hour. Everybody knows that teenagers need more sleep than most other age groups. So why do we have to get up at 6:00 a.m. in the morning in order to get to school on time? We would do a thousand times better in school if it started later, giving us more time to sleep - which in turn would make us more alert in class, and more focused on academics. Also, another instance where teams get in the way of school is the BHS pep rally. Only the sports teams are able to participate, which makes the non-athletic type (*cough cough*, me) completely left out. Then, it drags on and shortens all of our classes, especially the one immediately following. We have limited time already, and things like the pep rallies should not be able to limit it any further. Lastly, not only at pep rallies, but also on a day-to-day basis, students feel left out if they do not participate in a sport. But that is not an option for some people due to other time commitments (like hours of homework), and a lack of physical ability. So we have to sit back and watch teams have fun dress-up days, walk around in their uniforms, and get excited about upcoming games. Honestly, it is part of what makes high school unbearable for me.
    I understand that people like sports, and they should be able to play them, but it should not be involved with the school. People can and will be active on their own time, but it is not fair that my high school experience is tampered with because of the sports teams in our school. School is for learning, and I think the focused should be placed solely on academics.
    - Jennifer G. Period 3

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    1. [Not sure why this didn't post earlier] Jennifer, I have to respectfully disagree with you. Although I can see some aspects to your points and opinion(s), I find myself significantly at odds with it. I'll touch on each point you made. First you stated, “School is supposed to be about teachers and classes and homework and tests, not about games and pep," but if I am correct, isn't high school supposed to be a self discovery period? Aren't you supposed to find your true passions in life and then strive to pursue them? Are you saying you want to deny a person who loves sports - and possibly deny someone the only thing they come to school for or are similarly good at - the opportunity to pursue their own passions?

      The next thing you mentioned was the time restraints that are put in place. Of course some may not like to get up early every day (myself included) but there are certain things that must be done because of something else. As your friend I know that you partake in the school musical activities and some practices are often right after school. How is this any different from sports teams and their practices?

      Another point you make is that teams are the only ones allowed to participate in said pep-rallys, stating, “Only the sports teams are able to participate [in such spirit days], which makes the non-athletic type (*cough cough*, me) completely left out.” Although I can see certain aspects to this point, I do not entirely agree. Here’s why. Pep rallys are a time for the student body to come together to observe certain routines and have an overall good time. Throughout the school year (as you know) students become stressed with the massive amounts of homework they are given. Pep rallys are a way to relieve this stress and just forget about those things for the 20-40 minutes span they last. Along with this notion, you also suggest, “we have to sit back and watch teams have fun dress-up days.” Sure this can be the case, but every student is given equal opportunity to dress up for a said week of school, known formally as “Spirit Week.” As for getting pumped up about games, that’s also what pep rallys are for: to motivate the student body to come and support their teams and to have a great time.

      Although I do not play a sport directly with the school, I do go to games frequently and I genuinely have a good time. When you see your friends out on the field, in the pool, on the turf, wherever, you get a good feeling watching them pursue their own passions. Although I believe that school should be for academics, I do not believe that should be the only purpose for it. There are many lessons to be learned out on the field, and also sitting at a desk in a math class. Life is about learning lessons, and high school - specifically the partaking in sports related activities - is no exception.

      Kathryn Cooke Period 3

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  18. I believe that high school sports can both help and hurt student athletes. It is possible that a student could become more focused because of their rigorous schedule and the need for time management. It is also possible that a student could fall behind or put school work second because of the exhaustion and commitment that goes along with playing a high school sport. Overall I believe after reading this article and from personal experience that high school sports are taking away from education. I don't believe these sports should be done away with entirely but they should always come second to academics and coaches should be more supportive of their student athletes.
    -Cassidy McCarns

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  19. Sports teams have, in a sense, brought down America’s schools. Although, I do believe that that is only in certain cases. Sports can be a great release from the stress of school work and they can be rewarding but at the same time that can also provide students with an alternative to studying or doing homework. I am not against sports but I do believe that sports should not hold as much importance as actual school work. Sports are extra-curricular and yet, according to the article sports got more funding then was allowed for math. Perhaps if less funding was given to sports then we would have better testing scores because the flow of money would be redirected.
    This wouldn’t even mean that students would have to give up sports, it simply means that school would be a place for mental exercise and sports would have to be done outside of school. This would provide our students with a more direct understanding that school is for academic purposes instead of for physical purposes and ultimately, it would help the students who both do and do not do sports.

    Shoshanna L. Period 3

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  20. I found this article to be very interesting. I did not really ever think about how sports affected students grades that drastically. I always thought that sports were supposed to teach diligence and the importance of hard work but I didn't think that they would have a negative effect. I can realte this article to my life because i can remember last year coming home from lacrosse practice at 9:30 and having to eat dinner and do all my homework from that day. I can remember my grades during lacrosse season dropping from lack of time to do the work needed to get the grades I was once getting. I think the students without sports in their lives have more time to achieve good grades but then they also lack the skills that a team environment can give to you. It is a hard decision to make if sports are better for a child than not doing sports but there is clear evidence that not doing a sport will give you more time to excel academically.

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  21. Although sports can cut into homework and studying and be very time consuming they can be very beneficial to students. Sports force you to learn time management and study habits. Personally, when I am in season I only have a certain amount of time before practice and I have to get all my homework done before then , if I don’t I wouldn’t be able to concentrate in practice and will end up hurting the team. Also sports teach social skills. You learn how to communicate in a large group and how to speak up when you want something to change. This skill will help in the future when you have coworkers and a boss. When the article mentioned that other countries are educationally superior to the US, I believe this is somewhat true. Other countries greatly enforce education upon their students and go to school longer. In the US we believe that people should be able to choose how long they want to continue their education and give students more activities to participate in that are not educational. Sports allow you to release any built up energy from the day and do something that brings you joy.
    Michaela S period 3

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  22. In my opinion, sports teams have brought down American schools. I speak from experience as I see all my peers around me talking about sports teams during class, or even remembering to ‘dress up’ specifically on the day of the game instead of remembering what we are even doing in class. As Elizabeth Colbert brings up in her article ‘Have Sports Teams Brought Down America’s Schools’ as she quoted a high school student, “Thus, “there was no confusion about what school was for—or what mattered to the kids’ life chances.” By this they both mean that schools are to teach kids about principles like math and science, but nowadays all the students’ attentions are on their sports teams, who plays, and where the meet is. Sure, kids should be active and participate in sports, but it shouldn’t be their main priority. Although I believe this, I believe there really isn’t a way to backtrack the attention sports get, but things like extending the classes may be beneficial.
    Megan G Period 3

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  23. For athletics, it may be the last time you could step on a field for your whole life unless you have the skills and abilities to push yourself to the limits and continue what you started. School sports are not extra curricular activities that you do every day after school for a couple of hours, they are important and memorable events that create who you will be when you attend your high school reunion 25 years later. They help you prove who you really are as a person and where you sit in the world as a person. When it comes down to your future, you cant just have sports on a resimee, you need grades. The importance of grades makes you realize that even though you could be an All state baseball player, no university is going to look at you and recruit you if your GPA is the GPA of an 8th grader. If you want to play sports, you need grades and the importance of grades is shown throughout student athletes all over the nation. I find Kolbert extremely biased in the way she presents the negative aspects of school sports and not the beneficial ones that really prove who you are. " It’s too bad that their test scores show the same thing." says Kolbert. I find this statement extremely disrespectful and inappropriate because she never gives facts to prove this. With her limited experience with high school sports from being cut from the tennis team, she cant relate to who student athletes really are. The job of teachers is not just to teach, but to guide. They are always saying stuff like don't give up and push yourself, and that's exactly what student athletes do. They know what they want, they figure out who they are going to get it, and they go get it and don't stop until they have it and they have that feeling of success and have the ability to finally say " I did it." They give 100% and work hard whether they think they can achieve success or not. While playing sports, you create relationships with teammates and classmates that could last a lifetime. According to the NCAA, every year their are 180,000 student athletes that are certified to attend college for sports or school because they worked hard when they needed to. In my personal experiences with high school sports, I have been blessed with the opportunities to play for a varsity team, and Kolbert does not know what that feels like. I have been able to balance school and sports at an efficient level. I am proud to say that because of my hard work, dedication and want, I am currently being recruited by many different colleges to play baseball at in all three divisions. I can honestly say that its the best feeling in the world knowing that your hard work has finally amounted to something and that someone, other than yourselves is wanting you to continue playing sports in the collegiate level because of how you are as a kid, how you perform in the class, and how you perform on the field. Therefore, I strongly disagree that sports teams have brought down american school because their are certain things that you create on a team that you could never create in a classroom. Its the one way that you could come to your high school reunion in 25 years and you could either be seen as " oh yeah I remember him, he graduated with us" or " wow, look where he is now, he played sports through college, graduated with a good degree and now is leading a successful life because of the certain values he created by playing high school sports."
    Dalton E Period 3

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