Four credits for four years

Did you know that high school athletics is the only elective that receives just two credits for four years of participation? All other electives including Band, Dance, and JROTC, receive four credits for four years. Did you also know students starting with this year's Freshman class are required to take a fourth year of Math and Science to graduate under the Recommended and Distinguished Achievement Programs, replacing two graduation credits that were previously available for electives including athletics (referred to as "4x4")?

While it has always been unfair that four year athletes did not receive graduation credit for their Junior and Senior years in Athletics, the new State 4x4 requirement now makes it extremely difficult for student/athletes to graduate under the Distinguished Achievement Program.

Study after study have proven that...

1. Participation in interscholastic activities is a valuable part of the overall high school experience.
2. Students who compete in interscholastic activities make higher grades and have better attendance.
3. Interscholastic activities yields positive results after high school as well.
4. Interscholastic activities fulfill students' basic needs, help in students' attitudes toward self and school, and minimize dropout and discipline problems.
5. Interscholastic activities teach lessons that lead to better citizens.

For further background and details on the studies, please visit the National Federation of State High School Associations.

A petition to treat Athletics similarly to Band, Dance, JROTC, and other electives, giving athletes one credit for each year of participation, was resoundingly approved (13-2) by the State Board of Education (SBOE) in March. Unfortunately this was just the first step in a five step process. After review by the Texas Education Agency, the SBOE will reconsider the petition at their 22-23 May meeting (step 3 of 5).

The Texas High School Coaches Association does not believe the petition will go any further without support from the athletes' parents and encourages you to call, write, or email your SBOE representative and legislators. To find out who to contact, go to Who Represents Me and enter your home address.