What is one significant effect of low school funding on extracurricular programs?

Low school funding significantly impacts extracurricular programs by leading to their reduction or elimination. When schools face budget constraints, they often prioritize core academic offerings, which can result in cuts to programs that enrich student life, such as sports, arts, and music. These extracurricular activities are valuable for developing skills outside of the traditional curriculum and fostering social connections, but they can also be expensive to maintain. Limited resources may mean that schools cannot afford the necessary supplies, coaching, or facility maintenance required for these programs to operate effectively. Consequently, many schools may opt to scale back or eliminate these activities altogether, which can negatively affect student engagement and holistic development.

In contrast, options regarding increased participation in sports, more funding for arts and music, or better overall student performance do not reflect the realities of fiscal limitations imposed by low funding; instead, they suggest outcomes that are less likely to occur in such an environment.