Extended Learning Program Helps Basketball Team

Although athletic programs at Wilson Middle School are both popular and well-attended, many of this year's games had to be forfeited and entire seasons canceled because too many of Wilson's athletes had grade point averages below the acceptable threshold for involvement in sports.

Wilson's principal, a Wilson teacher, and a coach from the YMCA after-school program collaborated to solve this problem. They worked together to raise GPA expectations and also to provide additional homework help after school. Students and parents also took part by signing contracts agreeing to these new participation stipulations. While half of the sports teams practiced after school, the other half attended study hall in the library. Then the groups switched.

Although participation in study hall was only mandatory for students with a GPA below 2.5, most athletes attended the study hall sessions. Wilson's Elev8 team worked together to create an environment of accountability and support by delivering a consistent message to students and parents coupled with the academic reinforcement students needed.

Notes from the Elev8 New Mexico Student Survey:

• 88% agree that in afterschool programs, they get a chance to do new things.

• 82% agree that the afterschool staff challenges them to do their best.

• 65% agree that in the afterschool program, they practice things they’ve learned in school and other places.