The Aegis: Eligibility requirements for extracurricular activities need more scrutiny in Harford schools

Since 2007, Harford schools eligibility policy has stated students whoreceive one failing grade on a quarterly report card (expect the fourth quarter) or one failing grade in any subject as a final grade, are not eligible to participate in extracurricular activities, which include athletics, drama, student government or other clubs.

We understand the rationale behind the existing policy: A student goes to school to learn, first and foremost. Playing soccer, being a part of the student council or starring in the school play, for example, are privileges that come with being successful academically.

For manystudents though, those extracurricular activities are an important part of the school experience, helping them learn life skills necessary to succeed and others that help expand upon what they are already learning in their classes. These clubs and activities can also help youths grow personally, building bonds and relationships with fellow students they may not otherwise encounter in the classroom.

Beyond that, for some students, after-school activities can keep kids out of trouble. According to the “America After 3 PM” study by the AfterSchool Alliance, 83% of parents with children enrolled in some sort of after-school program said it would reduce the likelihood their kids would commit a crime, use drugs or become a teen parent.

Should a student be punished and unable to participate in extracurriculars their senior year, for example, because they bit off more than they could chew by signing up and struggling with multiple AP courses? Should an otherwise successful student miss out because they are struggling with trigonometry, European history or Spanish?

We think it would make more sense to look at the student’s overall academic success. Perhaps the policy could allow for one failing grade — but not in consecutive marking periods — so long as the student’s grade point average is above a certain level. Maybe it could be combined with a sort of study hall or mentoring program.

We agree that students who are chronically struggling in class or are in danger of failing out of school should be forced to focus on academics and lose extracurricular privileges. However, we think Harford’s school board should take a closer look at the one failing grade eligibility requirement to allow students who might slip up one quarter to not miss out on an important part of their high school career, so long as they are making efforts to improve their grades.