How did sports become so central in high school culture? Kerry White, of Education Week, puts school sports in historical perspective. As can be heard in this story about the Wolford Wolves and another about the Valley Head Tigers, sports can be a particularly important part of individual and school identity in small town America. This view is supported by a report by the Carnegie Corporation of New York on the benefits of participating in sports.
There are both positives and negatives to extracurriculars. A fast search of Kid's Health in the teen section provides information on both sides of the picture. Don't forget to look at their excellent links! Busy schedules and too many activities: Helping kids slow down in The Christian Science Monitor expands on the topic of adolescents who have too much to do.
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