| Another California experience here: our high school had a smim test students had to pass in order to graduate. The theory made sense: swimming is a necessary skill that can save your life. The practice however was something else, as our high school attracted a huge percentage of students from Vietnam (we're talking early-mid 70's.) Many of these kids didn't learn to swim as children.
I'll never forget watching a lovely young woman come in extra early three-four times a week for her private swimming lesson with a girl from the school swim team. This student - a senior - was one of the top students in the school, and had been admitted ED to Stanford. However, the school was threatening not to graduate her since she hadn't passed the swim test. This senior did everything she could to swim. I watched her practice, listen to directions, try and try and try again. All with the same result: first her feet and then her legs would slowly sink -- then her bottom and finally her torso, all despite her very energetic efforts to the contrary. She. Just. Couldn't. Do. It. Later I found out the school took pity on her, and waived the requirement. |