Quote:
Originally Posted by M. Lillis
You have basically identified one of the stigmas of the public school system (and maybe private, as well). FIRST is all about changing a culture. It will not happen over night, and it will take years of work. I would ask that you convince your administrators to go to your regularly scheduled team meetings, or go to local FIRST events. Allow them to see what your team really does, and the whole "no excused absences, no bus, etc." will gradually change.
|
A kind comment from a team (177 Bobcats) with an exceptional record that has a difficult time coordinating field trips for competitions with their school (from what I have heard from your mentors). Also, see WPI 2013 snowstorm.
Most permanent change is gradual.
In Connecticut, Robotics is now recognized as a varsity sport by the CIAC (Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference)
http://ciacsports.com/site/?p=3838
This is good and we should all seek this recognition in each of our states.
One significant difference between our sport and other high school sports is that the nature of the competitions is collective, rather than dyadic. We get together in groups of 40+ and round robin, then bracket, and resolve with three winners, runners-up, etc....
Now, with districts, we emulate the High School track team model with it's state and regional competitions where the cream of the crop rises to the top.
The town mouse vs. country mouse analogy will always be an issue. Convincing a rural school board that Robotics may be a better expenditure than new bleachers for the football team is tough. Engaging rural businesses and industries in supporting their local education system is asking a lot, but in the long run, worth it.
Here in New England, the districts are less discriminatory than they are in, oh say, Klamath Falls Oregon, or Wyoming, unless you are from rural Maine.
Personally, I am loving the districts and appreciate how FIRST is evolving to make a Robotics team a viable endeavor for any school district.
More matches for less money, intimate (though sometimes claustrophobic) arenas, and Saturday/Sunday competitions (no time off of work or out of school, though my weekend chores are suffering for it).
What I miss? Brazilians, Mexicans, Britons, Pink Team, Coyotes, Funky Monkeys, Robonauts.........