A Comparison of Perceived Effects of Increased Grade Point Standards on Student-Athletes (GPA, Interscholastic, Eligibility).

Abstract

The intent of this research was to ascertain and compare the perceived effects of the 2.0 grade point average (GPA) requirement for student-athletes in the Detroit Public Schools. The three basic questions of the study pertained to the perceived effect of the 2.0 rule on Student Eligibility, Academic Performance and the School System. A questionnaire was developed and used to survey responses from student-athletes, coaches, athletic directors and counselors in 20 Detroit Public High Schools as well as central office administrators and board of education members. For the variables studied in the first basic question found to be characterized by no change are Ineligibility, Quantity of Students, Try-outs, Socioeconomic Make-up, Exceptionally Talented Athletes, and Opportunity for Marginally Talented Students. The variable Poor Behavioral Students had decreased and the variable Academic Achievement had increased. All variables studied in the second question were found to have increased (Academic Achievement, Study Time, Motivation of Ineligible Students, and Motivation to Pay Attention to Grades Due to Sports). Variables examined in the third basic question and found to have slightly increased were Enrollment of Students in Remedial Classes, Tutoring Sessions and Manipulation of GPAs. Found to increase more than slightly was the Monitoring of Student Progress. A slight decrease was found for Enrollment in Difficult Courses, Participation in Other Sports, and Competitiveness of Teams. No change was found for Coaches Advice to Take Easier Classes, Number of Better Students Making Teams, Practice Time, and Required Study Sessions. Part of the study involved the theory of functions and dysfunctions of rules. Functions found to exist were Explication, Screening, Punishment and Leeway. Dysfunctions found to exist were Legalism and Indulgency. Dysfunctions found not to exist were Goal Displacement and Apathy. There was much agreement among groups pertaining to effectiveness of the 2.0 rule.