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Willard's 'F' policy is worth the risks The latest approach to grades-versus-sports participation in the Willard schools certainly is an interesting one. The policy puts aside the widespread notion that being on a school athletic team is a privilege that must be earned with classroom success. Instead, a student who has failed a class may participate in a sport by signing a contract promising a genuine effort, good behavior and regular attendance. School officials there have found that students are avoiding advanced level classes because they fear a failing grade would eliminate them from athletics. The new policy is expected to boost numbers in upper level courses. Also, experience has shown that some students do better academically during the terms in which they are involved in sports than they do when they are not on a team. They find the necessary discipline and tight scheduling results in better and more regular study habits. The Willard officials should be applauded for having the courage to step outside the norm in hopes of improving academic and athletic participation. It will be interesting to see how the policy works. Other schools districts might be interested if the anticipated results are achieved. Nothing is quite as popular as a good idea to appropriate.
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