LVUSD’s ‘Code of Conduct’ contract creates a ‘Catch 22’

By Stephanie Bertholdo Acorn Staff Writer

Las Virgenes Unified School District’s "Code of Conduct" contract may be contributing to a "Catch 22" situation for students who are prohibited from participating in extra and co-curricular activities if their grades dip below a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) or if they get an F in two classes.

The problem is that the extracurricular or co-curricular activity might be the lone incentive that keeps the student in school. Co-curricular activities occur during regular school hours; extracurricular activities are those outside the standard classroom hours.

Some co-curricular courses (including drama, chorus or debate) require students to participate in after-school performances or competitions. A student could conceivably be docked points for not participating in a required function, which could affect their overall grade and perpetuate a low GPA.

If a course satisfies admission requirements to a California state university or to a UC school, it’s not considered a co- or extracurricular class.

Jim Nielsen, the district’s director of secondary education, outlined 15 extra- and co-curricular activities in a report to the school board. These activities would be forbidden for students with unacceptable academic performance.

Included were athletics, musical groups, pep squads, competitive speaking, student government, drama and choral productions—just to name a few. "Comedy Sportz," a popular fundraiser at Agoura High School, was on the list as an out-of-class activity. Student newspaper or yearbook production would also be applicable. Even work permits could be revoked under the policy.

"The policy exists but is not being consistently enforced," Nielsen said.

While no board member disputed the need to hold students accountable for maintaining minimum grades for core academic subjects, several of them took issue with the wording of the code and the applicable activities.

Board member Terilyn Finders asked, "Is (the policy) punitive or is it designed to promote academic excellence?"

Board member Gordon Whitehead said that the policy seems to be consistently enforced with athletics, but not with others.

Finders said that she saw a difference in being disallowed to play in a football game vs. performing in a musical recital. "How do you enforce the spirit and integrity of the concept without compromising the class?" she asked.

Nielsen said he didn’t see any difference between athletics and other extra- and co-curricular activities. "Students really need to be graded on how they perform in class," he said.

"I do not support the notion that performance is a co-curricular activity," said board member Cindy Iser. Every standard shouldn’t be arbitrarily compared to athletics, she said.

Las Virgenes Teachers Association President Sandy Pope agreed with the existing policy. She said that it sets standards for students and that teachers will make necessary adjustments when the policy is clarified.

"Why would we say a music student can play if he’s failing math?" Pope asked. Enforcement of the policy should hold all students accountable, Pope said.

School board president Judy Jordan said, "The only sticking point is music. It seems like a double punishment."

Board member Pat Schulz said, "I hate the punitive part of this." She noted that for some students, taking away the privilege of sports, music, drama or other extra- or co-curricular activities prevents them from participating in the one pastime that keeps them involved in school.

"Are we not going to enforce our current board policy?" Nielsen asked.

The board will take action on the Code of Conduct policy and enforcement at a later meeting.