Athletic credits

KVUE's Elise Hu reports

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The State Board of Education could give final approval Friday to allow up to four credits toward graduation for athletics -- doubling the current limit. In a preliminary vote, the board voted 10-5 to allow up to four years of credit for four years of participation.

As it is now, other activities like orchestra, drama or art can count up to four credits worth of elective courses.

"It's frustrating that I have to take other classes to get my elective credits, instead of basketball," said Austin High School junior Alexis Rendon.

Supporters on the board say it's all about leveling the playing field between the electives.

"My stance was an issue of fairness. Making sure that if they took the four years, they took the four years of credit," said Ken Mercer, board member.

Opponents say the move "dismantles" the "no pass, no play" educational reforms of two decades ago and gives athletics more credit than it deserves.

"Football, and with all due respect, is not an academic course," said Geraldine Miller, a board member from North Texas. "It's less time for other electives that we have to offer the young people, whether it's career and technology or the fine arts. You're minimizing the opportunity to enhance the entire human being, or the entire mind of the student."

The board is set to take its final vote on the additional credits on Friday.