Principals' perceptions of the influence of extracurricular activities on selected student performance factors: The impact of the No Pass/No Play rule

Purpose. This study examined principals' perceptions of the influence of extracurricular activities on selected student performance factors. Specifically, this study examined the impact of the No Pass/No Play rule on student achievement, junior/senior high school participation in extracurricular activities, dropouts, course selections, and the changes in the No Pass/No Flay rule as part of Senate Bill 1 in 1995.; Methods. Four hundred sixty-eight high school principals in Texas completed and returned the Extracurricular & Eligibility Questionnaire (EEQ). Demographic information about the principals and their schools was obtained from the Personal & Demographic Data Sheet. Demographic data were also retrieved from the Internet through the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.; Findings. The first research question examined the relationship between students who participate in extracurricular activities and student achievement as measured by the Exit Level TAAS tests in reading, writing, and mathematics. The results from the survey questionnaire suggest that students who participate in extracurricular activities pass the TAAS tests at a greater rate than students who do not participate in extracurricular activities. The principals' assessment provided through their responses on the Extracurricular & Eligibility Questionnaire (EEQ) would indicate that participation in extracurricular activities has a positive influence on student achievement.; The second research question sought to determine whether students who were eliminated from participation in extracurricular activities by the No Pass/No Play rule in junior high school participated in extracurricular activities in high school. The results from the survey questionnaire did not produce a consensus of opinion from the principals.; The third research question examined the difference in the dropout rates between students who participate in extracurricular activities and students who do not participate in extracurricular activities. The responses from the high school principals indicate that a strong relationship exists between participation in extracurricular activities and dropout rates. The principals indicated that participation in extracurricular activities helps prevent students from dropping out of school.; The fourth research question addressed the issue of whether the No Pass/No Play rule influenced some students who participate in extracurricular activities to avoid advanced classes that could negatively affect their eligibility. There was not a clear indication from the principals on whether or not students were avoiding advanced classes in order to remain eligible to participate in extracurricular activities. However, a significant number of principals indicated that some students were avoiding advanced classes to prevent them from becoming ineligible. This indicates that many principals recognize at least some problems associated with the No Pass/No Play law as it relates to students avoiding advanced classes and eligibility to participate in extracurricular activities.; The fifth research question addressed whether the changes in the No Pass/No Play law resulting from Senate Bill 1 in 1995 have been effective in allowing more students to remain active in extracurricular activities. The principals responded that more students have remained eligible since the No Pass/No Play law was amended in 1995. Principals view the change as a positive step in the implementation of the law.