No Duval high school sports?

[Jaxson]

I don't question the intentions of those who believe that students who cannot read should be forced to forgo everything else (art, music, electives, etc.) until they can read, but I present this issue:
We have students are sit behind desks all day while their peers go to art, music and other electives.  Instead of learning to read for the joy of it, the remedial reading students are stigmatized and have no release or outlet during the day.  For those who think that art or music are luxuries, let's remember that reading music is a form of literacy that could easily be applied to reading classes and that artistic expression and creativity may allow students to focus better in their core classes.  I know intensive reading teachers who have a tough time teaching because their remedial reading students act out so much. 

[uptowngirl]

I agree Jaxson. I am not stating art and music are not key components of a well rounded education, and although I was in every sport available (in school and out of school), I do think that is a luxury. There are city leagues and private leagues that can be joined, summer camps, private lessons etc.; of course that is my personal opinion. That being said, some electives are just that-electives and if you cannot pass your base education classes then that time should be spent in additional coaching to help you be successful in these bare minimums. If you really want to take them- pay for it.  My child goes to an art magnant and I also pay for piano lessons, karate, and english riding lessons and also drama, science, swim, and art camp in the summer. why do I have to pay for all that? Shouldn't it be part of her education at public school? I mean a horse and upkeep is really expensive- but learning to work as one with an animal like that is excellent problem solving skills. Karate teaches discipline, respect, and good self esteem. Yet neither is available for free through our public schools. I am a little tougher apparently than others, because if she was not performing ABOVE grade level, much less at grade level- I would start removing some of these electives.

[Steve_Lovett]

I agree that reading is important - so I suggest that everyone who is offering an opinion on this topic read John Wooden's book: "Wooden, a Lifetime of Observations and Reflections on and Off the Court"

If after reading that book you still think sports and extracurriculars aren't a crucial part of a student's life, then I don't know what to say...

[BridgeTroll]

This really should not be an "either / Or" issue.  If a well rounded education is what we want then we should be able to fund it.  Perhaps it is time for Florida to have an income tax...

[uptowngirl]

WOW Bridge- my child gets an education, and a "well rounded education" because I pay for it. I work crazy hours and go without so my child can have everything I beleive she requires to have a well rounded education. Why should I pay MORE taxes for sports that someone else chooses? Will your new tax cover equestrian team sports? Most likely not- but it will pay for football which girls do not even play. Personally if it is not co-ed it should not even be funded. How about parents start putting their OWN children first, and make it happen? Not only sports, music, art, but education first. If you are not willing to put your OWN children first then you have no business having them in the first place! I am tired of working hard to provide my own children with the extras out of my own pocket, and also taking care of everyone elses! I pay the same if not more taxes than 98% of the parents at my childs school, I also consistently get requests to bring supplies for those other children too (pencils, paper, crayons, tissues, paint, etc etc) every month, along with the school fund raising. The more I have to pay for everyone elses children the less I have for my own, and to be frank I am tired of it. get rid of football and basketball I could really care less.

[buckethead]

No income tax.

[Cliffs_Daughter]

LOL- do you have kids?

The first thing I do with my "at times obstinate daughter" is tell no Riding lessons, no karate, no...you fill in the blank. It is a motivator. It is even used in the real grown up world- no good at work, no bonus, no job, no home. Do some still fail miserably? Sure but at least someone gave it a shot.

I have a kid in public school - and what you say here makes sense, but then a later post you turn around and say something to the effect that we don't need the motivators in the first place? To 'get rid of' them?


I truly don't think my son will ever be a sports star since he's more about drawing and dancing lately,  but it's too early to tell. Right now we have soccer season going on, that's only tied to the community and we paid for it.
But my nephew IS in every sport he can get into at his school. And he KNOWS his grades have to stay high to continue them - both because of the school's policy and his own mother's threat to take him off the team.

But I agree with others on here - having sports, music, art, whatever in addition to rote learning is a tool to educational success.   Sure, we all work with mundane 'fill in the blank, file the report, type this up' stuff in the real world... but we also have a life. We have character. We have many facets to our personalities, and THAT is why we need to keep these activities in the schools. Just make them work together more fluidly.

And for the record, I too buy a ton of supplies for my son's class. You know what? I'm okay with it. That's just how it is. At least I feel good for being the parent who was able to help out.

[urbanlibertarian]

If all parents had a choice of which school their child attended and the money followed the child then schools would be competing against each other for students.  Competition reduces costs and improves quality in everything we get from the free market.  Why wouldn't it improve education?

[BridgeTroll]

No income tax.

Why?  Most states have them.  Surely we could limit the taxes to rich people.

[buckethead]

I see what you did there^!

[JeffreyS]

WOW Bridge- my child gets an education, and a "well rounded education" because I pay for it. I work crazy hours and go without so my child can have everything I beleive she requires to have a well rounded education. Why should I pay MORE taxes for sports that someone else chooses? Will your new tax cover equestrian team sports? Most likely not- but it will pay for football which girls do not even play. Personally if it is not co-ed it should not even be funded. How about parents start putting their OWN children first, and make it happen? Not only sports, music, art, but education first. If you are not willing to put your OWN children first then you have no business having them in the first place! I am tired of working hard to provide my own children with the extras out of my own pocket, and also taking care of everyone elses! I pay the same if not more taxes than 98% of the parents at my childs school, I also consistently get requests to bring supplies for those other children too (pencils, paper, crayons, tissues, paint, etc etc) every month, along with the school fund raising. The more I have to pay for everyone elses children the less I have for my own, and to be frank I am tired of it. get rid of football and basketball I could really care less.

I understand your sentiments but I believe your child's future will be brighter if they grow up in a community that values not just their own but the education level of the community. If the standard of education in the community is raised employers who need that type of employee may choose to be here.  The leadership of the community will have a more educated populace to answer to.  The social environment of the community benefits from having an educated populace (imo).  I believe the benefits are there even for those of us who choose private schools.

[JeffreyS]

If all parents had a choice of which school their child attended and the money followed the child then schools would be competing against each other for students.  Competition reduces costs and improves quality in everything we get from the free market.  Why wouldn't it improve education?

I believe it could have the desired effect.  I think there are more simple solutions such as some separation of boys and girls in some academic classes. 

Try to remember however the current debate is not about how to raise the level of education or even what is best for our communities children.  The current debate is about how to cut taxes, do less and say Obama's name as disparagingly as we can.  This is political not a reasoned debate about should we cut here, spend there or change policy to improve.

[BridgeTroll]

I think there are more simple solutions such as some separation of boys and girls in some academic classes. 

There are plenty of studies that show this is beneficial to both boys and girls.

[dougskiles]

LOL- do you have kids?

We have 3 kids - read some of my other posts on this forum and you'll find out all you ever wanted to know about them.  I even have some photos!

You couldn't find three more unique personalities who are gifted in so many different ways - academically, athletically and artistically.  Our goal is for them to develop their God given talents and succeed in ways that are most important to them.  None are perfect, but all seem to be doing pretty darn well.

[cityimrov]

Just to make sure, people in this town do realize that the world's second largest publicly traded company in this planet is an "art & music" company, right?  Most of you guys use their products.  Do people also realize how much the NFL, NHL, FIFA, NBA, MLB, etc is worth?  

Sports, Art, and Music are gigantic industries worth billions of dollars.  So area areas of math and science.