Five Questions for Dr. Stephen Jones

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Dr. Stephen Jones, www.sevenbooks.netIn the first edition of our "Five Questions" series of interviews with individuals on the front lines of the fight to improve graduation rates, NoDropouts.org speaks with education consultant, author and Villanova University associate dean Dr. Stephen Jones, who has called for universities to play a stronger role in battling the dropout epidemic — starting with taking a greater academic interest in athletic recruits. 

You note that some universities start tracking student athletes in grade school, but no one seems to track whether these students are academically proficient. What would you suggest?

Colleges can demonstrate their commitment to athletes by promoting academic excellence at local schools. One way that colleges can have a positive impact on schools is by sending students to provide tutoring and guidance. The United States is currently ranked 24th in the world in math and science. We need more scholar athlete who can achieve well in K-12 schools and move on to college. Another place where college athletes can make a positive contribution to a student’s academic success is by helping the local community little league team. Some teams have an after school tutoring program where college students can make a tremendous difference in terms of a student’s attitude toward school.

What is the promise of college athletics for underprivileged and/or minority children? In what ways is that promise being unmet?

Most athletes value the opportunity to receive a scholarship that will pay for their college experience. They also perceive that playing at the college level could lead to a professional career in sports. Some colleges have an academic support center to help the students to get on top of their academic responsibilities but some students still struggle. The promise is unmet when the number of minority students who graduate from college is less than 40 percent. These students are leaving the university without a diploma — and more debt.

If you could issue a challenge to schools that recruit great athletic talent, what would it be? Why?
 
My advice to schools that recruit talented athletes is to commit to also focus on those athletes' academic abilities. We need colleges all over the country who will use current athletes and students as a part of community outreach. College students need to be aware of the challenges that K-12 students are facing. They are often three years behind their current grade level. If colleges do not make an investment in our athletes' education our country will continue to fall far behind other countries economic successes.
 
How can teachers, coaches, administrators and education officials make sure that students with exceptional athletic talent are able to best ride those talents to college and succeed there, too?

It is important for teachers, coaches, administrators and education officials to meet regularly to discuss the structure of academic programs that support athletes. These meetings should keep the issue of how to help the athlete to stay in school and how to learn everything possible. Reducing the athletes' dropout rate is a critical issue for the local community. The local K-12 schools need to include colleges in their discussions. There are many resources colleges can provide, including student teachers who are sensitive to the academic challenges that some students are facing.

Is there anyone out there that is doing it "right"? Who is helping student athletes in the way that they need to be helped?

Villanova University has one of the highest college athlete graduation rates in our region. They have a great academic support system that keeps track of the athlete’s performance. We send out hundreds of students out into the community to tutor students. Each year during the summer we host many athletic programs. Our coaches talk to the students about their academic performance. I think that it is important for an entire college to think about how to contribute to the academic success of students who are in local schools.

What questions would you ask Dr. Jones? Leave your comments here or contact us at NoDropouts.org for a follow-up interview. For more information about Jones and his work, visit www.sevenbooks.net. 

 

Posted Dec 6, 2010 by Guest Contributors
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