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”.
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