Student Activities Programs: Their Status and the Impact of the Reform Movement

Research studies have consistently indicated that participation in school activities benefits both students and schools. Since the school reform movement began in 1983, the importance of school activities and student time commitment to such programs are increasingly being scrutinized. This paper summarizes a study to determine: (1) the current state of student activities in the secondary schools; (2) the educational reform movement's effect on such activities; (3) problems presently affecting these programs; and (4) future directions. A questionnaire mailed to randomly selected high school principals in the United States requested responses from either the principal or the director of student activities. There was a 39 percent usable response rate. The schools with responding administrators were representative of all types of schools and of all geographical areas. Results show that student activities continue to play an important role in secondary school programs. Schools offer from 10 to 50 activities, depending on size. Participation usually requires a 2.0 grade point average. Major problems included financing, student apathy, sponsor availability, and lost academic time. The reform movement's impact on activities was minimal. Future participation will probably decrease due to academic demands, the importance of jobs for students, financing difficulties, and increased demands on teachers. (5 references) (MLH)