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.
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (http://www.principals.org) (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'ss 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'ss complete position statement titled, NASSP Board of Directors Position Statement on Fees for Student Activities. Direct Link (http://www.principals.org/s_nassp/sec.aspCID=33's38;DID=57954)
About NASSP:
In existence since 1916, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the preeminent organization of and national voice for middle level and high school principals,
assistant principals, and aspiring school leaders from across the United States and more than 45 countries around the world. The mission of NASSP is to promote excellence in school
leadership. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, Virginia, visit www.principals.org or call 703-860-0200.
Contact:
Jeanne Leonard, NASSP
703-860-7233
leonardj (at) principals.org
Bridget R. Anderson or Marion Myers at Myers Public Relations
703-476-9377