THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Wednesday, January 15, 1997           TAG: 9701150008
SECTION: FRONT                   PAGE: A14  EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Letter 
                                            LENGTH:   24 lines

NEED TO MAKE THE GRADE

Regarding the question of requiring a 2.0 average for sports participation: Why is there any debate at all about this issue? Schools have a single purpose - the education of children so they can become productive citizens.

If Johnny or Mary can't maintain a 2.0 average, then they shouldn't play. End of debate.

If teachers think they can use sports participation as a carrot or motivator, they have gotten it backward. Reward performance after it happens, not before. If a student's average goes down, they should be taken off the team, immediately. We need people who can read, write, calculate and think. Basketball is a minor entertainment item in the future of this country.

The education establishment should be ashamed of itself for stooping to such low standards. No wonder it is terrified of vouchers, since they would introduce real accountability into public-school performance.

CARL SMITH

Chesapeake, Jan. 12, 1997