NASSP Asserts Students Should Not Pay Extra for School Sponsored Activities, Courses, or Programs

Nor should schools be forced to find funds. Reston, VA (Vocus/PRWEB ) November 26, 2008 — Almost all middle level and high schools in the United States offer a number of student activities ranging from athletics, music, and drama to honor societies, clubs, service learning, and student councils. Oftentimes, students and their parents bear the costs for these activities, programs, and even remediation classes.   NASSP Logo The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) adamantly disagrees with this growing practice and firmly believes that students and their parents should not bear the financial responsibility for any school or school district sponsored — programs, activities, or courses — regardless of when such programs, activities, or courses are offered.  Although often termed “extracurricular” activities, they provide students with important development opportunities not always afforded during the regular school hours. In effect, it is NASSP’s position that they not be considered “extra” in nature. Research shows that students who participate in co-curricular activities achieve higher grades, are more motivated, have fewer discipline problems, are less likely to drop out of school, and are more likely to graduate and apply to college. The benefits are particularly significant for at-risk students, for whom such programs and activities have been found to reduce juvenile crime, provide a sense of connectedness to the school, increase self-esteem, and create positive social networks they might otherwise not have. Read or download NASSP’s complete position statement titled, NASSP Board of Directors Position Statement on Fees for Student Activities. Direct Link