But all of the "reward" stuff has nothing to do with the purpose of the contest. The failing kids get to sit with their friends at lunch and at pep rallies. Is that a reward, (I mean it is school food but they have 20 minutes the are free to talk or stare at each other's phones or whatever). Parents pull them for doctor's appointments during the day and feed them lunch before bringing them back. Should NP/NP be applied there? I know it sounds silly but curriculum is curriculum and if we are a real class that we want to demand we be treated as then ALL kids test. That also means you don't get to cut the "weak" ones because you didn't teach them. Every kid in the class should be on stage and performing for UIL!

Going to UIL to be evaluated is not a reward. It's the curriculum! Kids leave campus for all sorts of "educational" field trips and are not bound by NP/NP.