Re: Academic Performance and Scouting.
Peter K. (lego@VISI.COM)
Tue, 30 Dec 1997 17:34:54 -0600
CHUCK BRAMLET wrote:
>
> This one has my "hackles" rising, so I guess it's time to put in my
> $0.02 on this issue.
>
> ** Soapbox mode on **
> Arizona started a policy a few years ago, called "No pass, no play".
> The object was exactly what has been stated in this thread - to make
> sure that the kids maintain a certain grade level to "represent the
> school".
Minnesota has had a policy with a 2.5 gpa for at least 4 yrs now. It has
been very sucessful. Sports are even more important than scouts. The
pratices often last for 4-6 hrs a night with games until 11pm some
nights. Scouts takes only an 1hr a week (ya right) but it does take
usually only 1 -2 nights a week.
> They argue that college doesn't either. But I hate to tell
> you how many college classes that I have taken where the teachers ask
> for or remind the students to turn in homework.
One of the local schools - The School of Environmental Studies (SES) -
Has been the model for the new type of high school with only 11-12
graders, this school pushes every thing with the one thing in mind ***If
you set expectations - people will meet them*** This school has been
featured in the Wall Street Journal, USA today and time. With more that
700 out of district visitors a year it may well serve as a model for a
school near you. And, it's a public school. At SES they don't remid you
to turn in your homework, they just expect it.
That what troops should do - set high expectations and the scouts will
meet them.
> I don't remember seeing yet - isn't this de facto adding to the
> reqs? As these positions are in the group that are required for > Eagle,
> are you not saying that a boy must have a 2.7 GPA to make Eagle?
>
No, only the higest troop positions need to have a 2.7 gpa. Other
postions such as PL, scribe, etc... do not. No we're not adding to the
req. it's just like requireing certian merit badges or a certian age.
> We tell our
> boys to "Do your best". Do not these policies tell some boys that
> their best isn't good enough?
Yes, we're telling them their best isn't good enough. We're asking them
to do better. And they will.
--
Peter K Kennon
ICQ: 606143 lego@visi.com
Knock on the sky and listen to the sound! -Zen saying
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
