Grades Key To Extracurricular Activities In KCK

Next fall, public school students in Kansas City, Kan., must succeed in the classroom in order to participate in other school activities.

The school board has approved a policy that denies participation in sports, band and other activities if students fail to maintain a C average or if they receive an F in any class. Failing students will be given two weeks to improve their grades at tutoring sessions provided at school. The new standard is higher than in many other Kansas public schools.

Some who argued against the policy caution that some students stay in school because they are involved in sports and other activities.

That may be true in a handful of cases, but there is much more to like about this policy than to dislike. For example, student athletes may be motivated to do their classwork by peers who want to keep them on the team.

Congratulations to the Kansas City, Kan., School Board. They've set a standard and an example that others should follow.