Quote:
Originally Posted by Kelly
As the author described his team's selection process, he seemed to focus on the fact that students need to be making good grades before joining the team.
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234 has a similar rule and i fully agree with it. part of FIRST is to inspire, but it is also to create the next generation of scientists, engineers and technologists. Students who are already struggling with their coursework could fall even further behind with the added load of being on the robotics team.
We also have strict travel requirements that require students to get approval from every teacher that they can "academically" afford to miss class while on a trip. A few kids have stayed home once - and usually that motivates them to step up their performance.
We find that this motivation keeps students working hard to maintain their grades. we offer tutoring help for anyone who needs it, and many students study together while we are traveling. More than one parent has said that the risk of not being on the team and able to travel has helped their child focus on schoolwork and grades.
As good as FIRST is, just being on a FIRST team will not get you into a top college or get you your dream job. Academic performance does, and that has to come first, with being a part of a FIRST team a bonus on the activities and involvement line.
/OFF TOPIC/: HAve we taken this thread way off of the intended topic? /BACK ON TOPIC/