Basketball Plus Education
by Tarin Luedke
Basketball Plus Education
The Basketball Plus Education program is an
activity-based program designed to encourage academic
participation. It is a carrot to keep kids in school. The success
of the program is derived from constant rewards. Every student is
always involved.
What makes this SUCCESS happen is a self-discipline that leads to
SUCCESS!! The success is only achieved through manipulation.
Activities, such as basketball, are used to generate a commitment
to something. As an example, successful businessmen are successful
because they made a commitment. In effect, activities are used to
manipulate young people into academic success. Once this commitment
is made, it leads to other commitments. Human beings are
consistent. It just plain happens. Once on the road to success,
they stay on the road to success.
We have rules in the Basketball Plus Education program that
creates an environment for Success. These rules are used in a game
called Captain Ball. It is a continuous transitional fast break
game. The five (5) basic rules to this game create a commitment to
teamwork and personal success. Everybody gets a chance to touch the
ball every time. Everybody is involved. When they feel involved,
they want to stay involved. To stay involved, the kids need to stay
on top of their classes…and they do. That comes from commitment. It
really is amazing. Success always follows commitment. Experience
tells us that the taste of success is not enough. You always want
more. The Captain Ball game is the staple to the program. There is
even an instance where at least nine (9) kids have chosen Captain
Ball over baseball. The program started with five (5) 5th grade
boys in January 2005 and has grown to approximately 70 boys and
girls covering four (4) communities.
Other facts about Basketball Plus Education program:
Advertising for the Basketball Plus Education is done by the
kids.
Skills Ladder (Ball handling/footwork and offensive skills)
Academic program driven by Robinson Home School Curriculum
This academic curriculum has its own delivery program (cross
curricular project-based delivery; class revisions with
writing)
The academic program is Age-based…not a Grade-based program.
One-trait Writing Program.
The construction of a life sized cardboard school called “Tutor
Town” (17.5 feet square and 8.5 feet at its peak).
An academic peer-tutoring program that has expanded to two (2)
elementary schools and one (1) middle school.
An Academic Monitoring System for college students that tracks
the academic progress of every student.) GCCC experiment (1999): (5
of 9 received basketball scholarships in 1999); (1991-1995: 13
Division I scholarships as a result of the academic/athletic
training program…11 of the 13 were not recruited out of high
school)
This total program is designed to give responsibility back to the
students.
Basketball Plus Education program is affiliated with an
international public interest group (Athletic International
Marketing-AIM). This organization is directing its activities
towards a new national educational system.
Non Profit ($90/year or $10/month). All money goes to the
program.
Major Supporters: AT&T, Sonic, Smith Auto Parts and Truck
Supply, Inc., Farmers Insurance, Sunflower Electric, Garden City
Telegram, Wilson Sporting Goods, Garden City Community College, DC
Sports (NY), and recognized by four (4) major division basketball
men’s basketball programs.
Follows state eligibility guidelines
Basketball Plus Education is an Alternative Program for Student
Success.
The director of Basketball Plus Education, Matt Ellis, has
presented the Basketball Plus
Education
program to the following organizations/interest groups:
o National Dropout
Prevention Network in Myrtle Beach, SC (2007, 2008).
o National At-Risk
Educational Network in Panama City, Florida (2007).
o NCAA Men’s
Basketball Final Four (2000-2008).
o Various
educational interest groups in Columbia, SC
o Countless summer
basketball camps around the Midwest.
Basketball Plus Education Basketball Plus Education Invoice Release Form
