Achievement Outside the Classroom: The Role of Nonacademic Activities in the Lives of High School Students

The impact of nonacademic activities on the lives of high school students was examined through interviews and participant observation. The sample consisted of 30 mildly handicapped students from special education and 30 average students from regular education. Findings indicate that regular education students were more likely than special education students to be seriously involved in activities outside of school. Boys were more likely to have outside interests than girls, but girls appeared to be more realistic in their plans to pursue their interests as future careers. Individual case studies suggest that nonacademic activities provide an alternative path to achievement and self‐esteem for many young people who are not high achievers in school.