Comparison of Academic Extracurricular Coaches 

by Steve Dillard

For my master's thesis I did a comparison of academic extra curricular coaches in the Jefferson County Public School System (90,000 students at that time).  The comparison was to determine whether a coach was more effective when they were volunteer or when they were paid.  I did the study in the 1991-1992 school year.

At the time, coaches of debate were paid a stipend in the school system worth $2000 - $4500 based upon experience.  (Similar to sports coaches and cheerleading coaches)  Chess Coaches were volunteers recruited by principals.

Several areas were studied.

Longevity of service. 

The paid coach stayed in service for an average of 7 years.  The longest service was for 16 years in the field of debate.

The volunteer coach averaged 2 years.  The longest service was for 11 years in the field of chess.

Success in finding scholarships for student participants

The debate coaches reported finding $750,000 + total scholarships for their students.

Chess coaches reported finding $5800 in scholarships.

Special Programs

Debate teams averaged 1 out of city trip for every 3 teams in existence.

Chess Teams averaged 1 out of city trip for every 8 teams in existence.

Number of  teams

Every known High School in Jefferson County had a debate team.  (41 teams)

There were 16 chess teams at the High School level. 

Number of schools to drop the program in the last 5 years.

Debate 0 Reason?

Chess 7 Reason?  Inability to find a sponsor.

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Ask Your State's Department of Education to Support Chess

By Bob Ferguson

I've got to be kidding, right?  Well, maybe they won't write you a check to fly your team to Nationals, but perhaps they would be willing to publicize your state events or run a survey in their state education newsletter and/or online.

When I tried this in Pennsylvania, the department willingly published my article which included a survey and information about our state scholastic championships.  Out of the schools that responded, 42 of them had chess programs but did not know that the U.S. Chess Federation existed!  This is a great way to reach others and bring them into the fold.

If you would like to know more about your state department of education, click here for a clickable map with links to all state departments of education.

While you're at it, why not contact your state teachers' union about publishing information on the educational benefits in chess, and don't forget to share your success stories with us. 

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