Features

• Righting the Balance in the Athletics-Academics Equation

  by Kate Beem

  While many cede oversight of interscholastic sports to athletic directors and coaches, some superintendents insist they bear the ultimate responsibility for ensuring everyone’s priorities are in order.

  Similar Reading: Do Superintendents Have a Say on Statewide Sports Matters? and The Superintendent as Head Coach and Cornjerkers Pass the Test. Redskins Don’t

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• Athletic Eligibility: Struggling To Raise the Bar

  by Paul Riede

  When superintendents push for higher qualifying standards for participation, they often confront a muscular sports establishment that wants to keep the best athletes on the playing field.
  

  Similar Reading: The Clash Between NCLB Transfers and Athletics and The Conundrum of Home-Schoolers in Sports

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• Sports at Any Cost?

  by Kimberly Reeves

  While school districts trim educational programs for lack of money, parents expect competitive sports teams to be fully funded. This is turning leaders more commonly to corporate sponsors and, more reluctantly, to expand participation fees.

  Similar Reading: Can a Threat to Sports Generate Favorable Budget Votes?

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• Targeting Sportsmanship

  by Linda Chion Kenney

  Taming uncivil behavior, especially by parents in the stands, is becoming an unavoidable priority in school districts today.

  Similar Reading: At the Core of Good Sports: Good Coaches and Advancing Fair Play: East Rockaway’s Compact and A Toss-up: A Sportsmanship Banner or an Even Playing Field? and Additional Resources

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• Steroids: To Test or To Educate?

  by Scott LaFee

  Several school districts find a will and a way to examine their athletes for illegal substance use, but it’s an issue that engenders considerable debate.

  Similar Reading: Foul Ball: Random Drug Testing of Athletes and Additional Resources(2)

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