The National Academic League® (N A L®) is New Sport for Academic Athletes! By successfully combining the important aspects of team sports - such as competitiveness, strategy, team mentality and cooperation in a group effort -- with important aspects of learning -- such as problem solving, critical thinking and scholarship -- the N A L® motivates and recognizes N A L® academic athletes much like their athletic peers.
The games and tournaments resemble an athletic event and include facets of athletics such as home and away games, four quarters, time-outs, high scorers, and strategy. Each game consists of four separate quarters and each quarter develops different skills such as problem solving, teamwork, and quick recall. Participating students receive honor and pride for their scholarly endeavors as well as peer and media attention. By the season's end, Mesa will have determined a champion school and that school will then participate in the National Tournament conducted through video conferencing.
N A L® questions span 22 subject areas grouped under the basic subject curriculum areas of math, English/language arts, science and social studies. Each question has been correlated to National Curriculum Standards.
Involvement in the N A L® generates the same popular enthusiasm and pride as do sports teams when they win league and division championships. Making role models of young scholars has a tremendous peer group effect that is positive during and beyond school years. N A L® students gain essential skills that they carry with them later in life. N A L® games promote educational soundness and students learn "how to learn" and by extension how to work and become a successful and productive adults. |
