Impacting Student Motivation: Reasons for Not Eliminating Extracurricular Activities

Abstract

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 57% of high school students participate in at least one extracurricular activity. It is vitally important that school districts provide extracurricular opportunities for all students. However, in the current climate, districts are cutting essential extracurricular activities in the name of budget constraints, academic focus, and additional attention needed in academics. What many do not realize is that there are more motivational and learning opportunities created within extracurricular activities than there are in most academic classrooms. In high school today, extracurricular activities create growth in academic achievement, attendance, social skills, leadership skills, and future mindset. Therefore, it is critically important for high schools to offer and maintain extracurricular activities.