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Middle School Athletics: 

Middle School Athletics “An Opportunity for Growth and Exploration”

Topics for Discussion: 

Topics for Discussion Current Problem Why sports? Intellectual Development Emotional Development Physical Development Why School-Based Sports? What Students get from Sports Participation

Background & Current Problem: 

Background & Current Problem In 04-05…580 Students at Mill Creek Middle School 67% of students (386) participated in at least one sport in 04-05 530 (91%) multiple sport participants Approximately 150 kids “cut” from cut sports Track team, too many kids to transport to meets Swimming, too many athletes for one coach Football, too many athletes to play in game

Background & Current Problem: 

Background & Current Problem Dexter community continuing to grow; problem not going away. New families value education & co-curricular activities. Sport clubs and organizations continuing to grow.

A Time of Transition: 

A Time of Transition Physical Intellectual Socially Emotionally “Transescents” Need Experiences that help them grow: Intellectual Development Emotional Development Physical Development

Why Sports?: 

Why Sports? Adolescents more likely to participate in sports than any other type of school-based extracurricular activity (Shaw, Kleiber & Caldwell, 1995) “Represents physical and mental challenge, and provides an identity based on a sense of competence and / or identification with a social group.” (Shaw, Kleiber & Caldwell, 1995)

Intellectual Development: 

Intellectual Development Research links participation with: Higher academic achievement Higher educational aspirations Lower likelihood to dropout Higher GPA in high school School engagement

Emotional Development : 

Emotional Development Research linked participation with: Positive self-image Positive social relationships Less likely to participate in delinquent activities Positive mental health Lower rates of substance abuse than non-participants

Physical Development: 

Physical Development Research linked participation with: Less likely to be overweight than non-participants Development of motor skills, sportsmanship, and physical fitness Better health in adulthood & continued activity

Carry over Effect: 

Carry over Effect Research indicates that even one time participation by middle level students has a positive impact on student development in their high school years Stephens & Schaben, 2002

Why School-Based Sports?: 

Why School-Based Sports? School based sports show a stronger relationship to achievement than did outside sports participation Sports promoted by schools enhances: Bonds to school & community Values associated with school Positive ties to school based adults Logistical & practical advantages

Why School-Based Sports?: 

Why School-Based Sports? Supports Academic Mission of School Inherently Educational Foster Future Success Interscholastic Athletics different than outside athletic teams: Emphasis on local participation Respects school day & school year Students encourage to participate in more than one sport / school activity Not focused on “elite” teams Governed by Schools Board, school administration; coaches responsible to school

What Students Get from Sports Participation: 

What Students Get from Sports Participation Academics Responsibility, discipline, & dedication, carries over to academics Time management Must maintain grades to participate Teachers/coaches link to students in new ways

What Students Get from Sports Participation: 

What Students Get from Sports Participation Social Relations Increased social contacts Sense of belonging Learn to get along Learn Teamwork Provides bonds of friendships (teammates, coaches)

Slide15: 

What Students Get from Sports Participation Affective Outcomes Increased self-esteem Outlet for competitiveness & emotions Learn to handle failure Deal with challenges

Goal: 

Goal To increase the number of participation opportunities for “ALL” students during their middle school years.

Proposal: 

Proposal Additional Teams: 2 Boys basketball 2 Girls basketball 2 Football 2 Volleyball Teams would be developed with equal distribution of talent Additional Items: Assistant swim coach Funding for track/CC transportation

Proposal: 

Proposal

Proposal: 

Proposal New Expenses: $40,000 - $45,000

Would the board support the opportunity to expand participation in Middle School Athletics for “ALL” Students?: 

Would the board support the opportunity to expand participation in Middle School Athletics for “ALL” Students? Questions