Extra Curricular Activities

Overview

In studies that compared males and females in extra curricular activities and school achievement:

50% of the time, males in extra curricular activities had low school achievement levels

When females were tested, the results were everywhere; the highest number of students who were involved with extra curricular activities did have high achievement levels, however there were still a significant number of females that had lower achievement levels when compared to females that were not in extra curriculars, and then some results showed that there were no differences in achievement levels when compared to females that were not in extra curriculars

Overview- continued

People have suggested that the use of extra curriculars in minority schools will help with enculturation, lower drop-out rates, and let the students build ties and develop a connection to their school

Usually about 70-80% of students are involved with extra curricular activities of some sort

Sports have the highest participation, with music and drama coming in after

Overview- continued

Usually, there are more activities offered at larger schools, however the participation rate at both large schools and small schools are about the same

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB8SGlsZb1Q

Examples of Extra Curricular Activities in an Urban School

The following lists are from Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis, an urban school with 877 students, 92% being of minority (39% black, 41% Hispanic), and a 55% graduation rate

Sports: Badminton

Baseball

Basketball (boys and girls)

Cheerleading

Cross Country

Football

Golf

Gymnastics

Hockey (boys and girls)

Soccer (boys and girls)

Softball

Swimming and diving

Tennis

Track and Field

Volleyball

Wrestling

Examples of Extra Curricular Activities in an Urban School (continued)African American ClubStudents support and promote the heritage of the African cultures and their influence on our nation’s history. Students plan events for Black History Month.

 Anime ClubStudents work on Japanese calligraphy, discuss anime films, art, music and play card games.

 Auto RestorationStudents restore a sports car to drivable condition.

 Bollywood ClubStudents learn about the popular culture of India through Bollywood movies.

 Book ClubStudents read books of their choice and discuss them using Hennepin County Library Book Club kits.

 CheerleadingStudents attend school athletic events and other activities to express and share their school spirit.

Examples of Extra Curricular Activities in an Urban School (continued)Chess ClubStudents who enjoy chess meet one day per week, and participate in competitive events throughout the school year.

 Coffee House PerformancesStudents share their talents as a part of shows prepared and held at local coffee houses.

 Dad’s Make a DifferenceStudents are trained to be peer educators at the middle school level for a paternity education program.

 Drama ClubStudents participate in activities to develop skills for productions and are involved in planning school performances.

 Gay Straight AllianceStudents who are interested in eliminating prejudice and homophobia by promoting tolerance and acceptance, educating the school community about gay/lesbian/bi-sexual/transgender issues, and creating a standard of respect within the school.

Examples of Extra Curricular Activities in an Urban School (continued)Glee ClubStudents who enjoy singing practice and perform for others.

 High Tech Girl’s SocietyStudents learn about careers in science and technology through field trips and discussions.

 Hmong Student AssociationA club for Hmong students who develop projects that support the multicultural events within Roosevelt High School.

 Journalism Club     Students interest in writing and reporting are involved in production of school newspaper.

 Key Club / Students in Action      A club dedicated to community service in the Roosevelt community.

 Knitting ClubStudents learn knitting and other needle crafts as leisure time activities, while also sharing time to gather, socialize and relax.

Examples of Extra Curricular Activities in an Urban School (continued)

Latino Club

Students gather to become informed and engaged in current events.

 Math League

Meets weekly to raise the achievement of students and to prepare for competition in the Minneapolis and Minnesota Math League.

 National Honor Society

Students are select based on Grade Point Average and recommendations of teacher to provide service-oriented activities and develop leadership skills.

 Robotics Club

Students learn to apply basic programming and engineering skills to make a robotic device, which is entered in state, national competitions.

 Solar Boat Club

Students design and build a solar-powered boat for entry into regional boating competitions.

 Somali Association

Students promote Somali culture within the school, advocate for and support Somali students, and plan events and intercultural activities.

Examples of Extra Curricular Activities in an Urban School (continued)Student CouncilStudent government organization that is the voice of the students. Meets weekly during advisory period and after school when needed. The Student Council plans social and community service events and activities for all students, including the Spring Prom, held April 16, 2010 at the Landmark Center in St. Paul.

 Super High Mileage Car ClubA competitive club where students build a one-person, fuel-efficient vehicle powered by a 3.5 horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine.

 The RockA club for students that helps them build confidence through participation in various activities.

 Video Game StrategiesStudents learn from each other about various games and gaming activities.

 Yearbook ClubStudents work together to design and create the school’s yearbook

Music in Urban Schools

Students of lower socioeconomic status who took music lessons in grades 8-12 increased their math scores significantly as compared to non-music students. But just as important, reading, history, geography and even social skills soared by 40%

Music training helps under-achievers- students who were behind in school either caught up or surpassed their classmates in areas such as math and reading when given seven months of music instruction

With music in schools, students connect to each other better greater camaraderie, fewer fights, less racism and reduced use of hurtful sarcasm

Unfortunately music programs are being taken out of schools more rapidly as a result of budget cuts and lack of money

Sources

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF02354378#page-1

http://www.jrre.psu.edu/articles/v7,n2,p29-40,McCracken.pdf

http://smhsmusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/musicfacts.pdf