The issue of whether
coaches should be required to submit Student Learning Objectives (SLOs) has
been a much debated topic. It is my opinion, as a future coach, that athletic
departments should be held to the same high standards as the other departments.
Coaches, especially at the high school level, are educators first and foremost.
It is that the majority of a coach’s classroom time is spent on the field or
court.
It is important for a
coach to submit SLOs so that there is formal plan which outlines the goals of
the athletic program. For example, the SLOs provide written documentation that
the students are being guided to be productive members of society. Yes,
students should be groomed for college; however, research suggests that most
students will not go on to college and for many athletics will be the
extracurricular activity that most shapes their lives. Coaches need to be able
to demonstrate that developing athletes to become contributing members of
society is a measurable outcome in sports. By assessing SLOs the athletic
department will meet the same standards as others in the academic setting and
the student-athletes will be recognized for more than “winning games”.
As coaches, we are held to the same standards academically as we are athletically, as well we should be. We are still considered educators and it is our duty to make sure that our students are learning and acheiving goals while improving their athletic abilities. Doing this will not only improve ourselves and our student-athletes, but it will also improve the athletic program as a whole.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about coaches needing to encourage athletes to be more prolific members of society. It’s always been the norm for athletes to get the title of “Jock” or “All muscles and no brain” or something similar. But it is time for things to change for athletes so that they are respected for being intelligent and not just another number on the field. SLO’s are a step in the right direction. SLO’s will not only help to better improve athletes at an academic stand point but like you said, it will also allow the athletic program to excel to greater heights. SLO’s should quickly become the norm for all athletic programs. Great blog!!!
ReplyDelete