FOR THE RECORD is a new feature to NCAA.org where the NCAA will correct
or clarify misleading or incorrect information appearing in press
accounts.
For the record, the Washington Post’s story today on nontraditional high schools misses the mark on the issue.
The
majority of high schools in the United States do a good job of
educating their students. But some don’t, substituting athletics for
education in some cases and, in other cases, even committing academic
fraud.
Nontraditional
high schools do a disservice to students and their families if they
promise quick academic fixes just to make someone eligible for college
sports but do not prepare students for higher education and lifelong
learning.
The
NCAA is committed to ensuring that incoming student-athletes can handle
the rigors of college academics and athletics. That’s why we have
increased our academic standards for incoming students; we have also
increased academic standards for students once they are in college so
they stay on track to earn their degrees.
The
NCAA only reviewed nontraditional high schools that asked us to use
their coursework in the initial eligibility process, or had students
attending those schools who applied for initial eligibility from the
NCAA. And all new nontraditional high schools seeking approval from the
NCAA to use their coursework for initial eligibility are automatically
placed in a two-year review period.
Our
reviews of these schools not only include an initial questionnaire but
also extensive research, examination of transcripts and other
materials, interviews with school officials when appropriate, and even
unannounced site visits to some schools.
The
NCAA is doing its part to monitor nontraditional high schools, but it’s
not our job alone. College and university admissions offices need to
perform careful reviews when considering admitting a student from one
of these schools. State departments of education have a role to play as
well, and if fraud is involved, then appropriate law enforcement
agencies should take action.
Ensuring student athletes come to college prepared to succeed academically is a shared responsibility.
Kevin Lennon
NCAA Vice President for Membership Services
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