Clubs In The Middle

Last week, I heard an administrator comment that after school programs for middle schools had replaced clubs and activities. I think that's pretty sad since the after-school programs he referred to are targeted toward students who failed to score proficient on the state benchmark assessments. Even though there are activities in addition to test-prep work, the activities are not based on students' expressed interests. Many urban middle schools, like the one i worked at last year, have given up on trying to establish clubs and extra-curricular activities for students. Difficulties caused by a rigid master schedule and teacher resistance to sponsoring clubs prevent scheduling of club days. Monthly or quarterly club meetings during the day don't allow interests to build or meaningful activities, and inability to schedule transportation after school prevents after school club meetings. Yet middle school students need to explore interests and need activities that inspire interests. Team sports don't provide opportunities for all students. How can a school claim to be "student-centered" if it lacks clubs and activities that encourage students to explore and/or develop interests?