With good behavior and academic improvement, students earn fun time in the gym and rewards such as uniforms and field trips. But more importantly, they gain attention and respect for doing something right. Kids want attention and they want discipline. You pick them up, and you pick them up again and again. Relying on a cadre of dedicated teachers, parents and former college athletes, Sports Club improves the odds that a student will grab a helping hand.
Participants consistently produce better grades, attendance and behavior than control groups.
To earn basic incentives, students must have at least a C average, good conduct in all courses and perfect attendance in a grading period. The requirements get tougher for subsequent rewards. Sherry DeMarsh, who coordinates middle school reform efforts for the district, agrees with Valentine that the Sports Club's success in boosting the achievement of some of JCPS's most troubled students can help convince teachers and parents that underachieving kids can meet higher standards with the right kind of attention and motivation. Teachers, older students provide volunteer help Like all successful after-school programs, the Sports Club relies on strong classroom teacher support. During the school year, teachers submit weekly reports on every kid in the program.