Why do we put so much time and money into sports and not into education?

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   LEDrexelposted 13 years ago

   Why do we put so much time and money into sports and not into education?
   
   It seems to me that if we want to fix the education problem in America we need to stop dumping so much money into sports. I understand that they are recreational, but all the money that schools get about 80% of the funds go into the sports program. Why? It seems that if we want to fix that problem we need to put money toward the solution not putting it into a game of catch. If we put money into education, i.e. more books, better teaching materials, and better ways to test the kids on what they know. I'm sorry, but lowering test scores and playing catch is not the answer.

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2. 61

   jaruth19posted 13 years ago

   Interesting question.  I have been a high school band director for the past 20 years.  I have seen my program funding cut year after year, yet our sports programs seem to have all the money they need.  I have always asked the question why we continue to fund the sports programs but leave behind other programs that are beneficial to student learning and the school community.  The answer I have deduced from all of these years is that sports make money, therefore they will always be funded.  It does not seem right.  We no longer think of students as student athletes, just athletes.  Go figure!

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   Dennis AuBuchonposted 13 years ago

   I understand your statement about money spent on sports and not educational materials.  Our educational system is a great one but just changing the allocation of money will not solve the problems it has.  Today politicians feel that putting more money into education will help the system improve and to some extent I agree.  Money has not or will not solve all our educational system problems.
   
   Another point to make is that there are usually grade level requirements for students to be eligible to even play sports.  This I believe is a side benefit of having a sports program.  Another point to make is that attendance at sports events brings in money that schools could use to provide some of the things you have mentioned.  It is money they would otherwise not have had.
   
   We have a great educational system in place in our country but adjustments need to be made in the way our system is evaluated.  Each student in our school system has different needs and the results for them as individuals is what needs to be evaluated. 
   
   While standard tests results are sometimes helpful in evaluating the success or failure of a school system they should not be the only criteria.  Each school and the students who attend it have different needs and situations.  These need to be considered when evaluating the success or failure of a school.

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   Jarnposted 13 years ago

   It's kinda tough to get worked up on sunday over a math team meet. And since our society is all about enjoyment, immediate graduation, and entertainment, the chances that we'll actually think about future generations is slim to nill. I mean, look at the last few generations. They've pretty much trashed the planet and handed it off to the younger folks, expecting us to save it while maintaining their social security retirement benefits. It's procrastination at a national level at this point.

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5. 69

   nflagatorposted 13 years ago

   My short and sarcastic answer is -  because men are in charge.  Go BEARS!

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6. 59

   womenintouchposted 13 years ago

   Education has never been more important than money. We like in a society where people playing sports make more money than the man running the United States, teachers, Doctors and anyone who is doing something worthwhile. Running after a ball gets you the money, it doesn't save lives but millions of people help by buying tickets, and they players could care less who you are.
   
   They always claim that education is top priority but that is and has always been a lie. Even if they lower test scores there are a lot of kids that would still fail. We have failed our youth with too much mess on television, cable, Internet, and phones. People do not talk to one another any more they text. That is why they don't do well in interviews because if they could text the interview they would. We have gotten away from wholesome family time and entertainment. Until we reclaim life as it was and get back to what really counts PEOPLE only then will education be top priority.

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