Setting the Foundation – In collaboration with school attendance administrators, counselors, and other coaches, I hope to determine whether or not participation in extra-curricular athletics is important in student attendance. I hypothesize that students involved in sports will have better attendance records than those not involved due to the “No Pass, No Play” rules and the need to be at practice to be able to participate in the sport.
Analyzing Data – I will gather data by looking into the attendance records of 200 random male and female 9th through 12th grade students, and measure their attendance compared to their involvement, or lack thereof in extra-curricular athletics. I will also look into other published data concerning this project.
Developing Deeper Understanding – Comparing the results of my data gathering with other sources of published data concerning this project will give me a deeper understanding of whether or not there is any validity to participation in athletics effecting attendance.
Engage in Self-Reflection – After analyzing the data some questions should probably be posed should the data support my hypothesis.
If being involved in athletics does improve student attendance, then…
- Should we encourage more students to be involved in extra-curricular athletics?
- Is an athlete’s attendance affected by whether or not they are in or out of season?
- Is there a direct correlation between athlete attendance and athlete grade point?
If being involved in athletics does not improve student attendance, then…
- Does being involved in athletics have an effect on student grades?
- Do coaches need to do a better job of ensuring that athletes are attending classes?
- Should athletes be made responsible for attending class and held accountable for not?
Exploring Programmatic Patterns – Analyze the data and self-reflect by asking myself the questions, then determine the usefulness of the results. Can the results be used to increase attendance in the school? If so, how? Discuss the results and these questions with my site supervisor and determine the importance of the results and how they can affect our school as a whole.
Determining Direction – Collaborate with attendance administrators, counselors, and site supervisor to determine if there are any “holes” that need shoring up. Discuss the intent of the project as well as the importance of what the results might bring. Utilize their feedback to make any last minute adjustments to what needs to be done.
Taking Action for School Improvement – Organize a group or committee consisting of the head principal, athletic director, head coaches and assistant principal’s to discuss the results of my research project with. Discuss the importance of student attendance and the effect of athletic involvement has on student attendance and therefore, student grades. Prepare a summary report to present to the group outlining the results of the study.
Love your topic! I coached for ten years and know that all extra curricular activities make a huge impact for students. They did for me too when I was in school. The benifits go well beyond the classroom, school, and community and are real world, real life, hands on learning that is enourmous benifit to everyone. It would be hard for me to focus in on the direction with so many possibilities that are positive.
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