Hd 302 chapter 7 essay:
I would tell the parents that studies show that participation in an extracurricular activity actually
improves students’ performance in school and reduces the likelihood of dropping out; deters
delinquency, drug use, and other types of risk taking; and enhances students’ psychological well-being
and social status, with positive effects seen after high school graduation. The one exception to this
positive picture is that some studies have found that involvement in team sports, which is associated
with many psychological benefits, such as better mental health, better sleep, and higher school
achievement, is also associated with increased alcohol use and delinquency. This latter consequence is
seen especially among boys (and will least likely affect Annie and her school experience), who have a
strong “jock” identity and who participate in male-dominated sports, like football. Extracurricular
participation in high school also seems to be linked to extracurricular participation in college and to
community involvement in adulthood. I would also inform them that the generally positive impact of
extracurricular participation is because these activities increase students’ contact with teachers and
other school personnel who may reinforce the value of school (as when a coach or advisor counsels a
student about plans for college), and because participation itself may improve students’ self-confidence
and self-esteem. Some educators believe that extracurricular participation also helps bond students and
parents to their school, especially in the case of adolescents who are not achieving academically; for
many of them, their extracurricular activity is what keeps them coming to school each day. Indeed, a
feeling of attachment to school is likely to contribute to students’ future educational success. Finally, I
would inform Annie’s parents that they should not be concerned that overscheduling will compromise
Annie’s mental health.