The Great Debaters

A Closer Look at the Impact of Urban Debate

2010-05-31T18:48:00.001-07:00

This document published by the Chicago Debate League provides a summary of over a decade of research from students and schools participating in competitive policy debate.

ChicagoDebateStudyOverview.pdf

Urban debate contests sharpen learning, skills for college-bound students

2009-12-29T09:03:00.000-08:00

Image by Blacksonville Community Network via Flickr

Benefits beyond debate

The study analyzed 10 years of the Chicago Urban Debate League and reported that among African-American male students, debaters were 70 percent more likely to graduate from high school, three times less likely to drop out, and 50 percent more likely to reach the ACT college-readiness benchmark than non-debaters.

"The only reason we're doing this is to get kids into college," said Rico Munn, a co-founder of the Denver Urban Debate League and executive director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education.

"We have the traditional forensics league, and some kids do independent events, but over the past 20 years those activities tend to be more suburban," Munn said. "In the DPS schools, there were only two or three leagues before we showed up. We wanted to bring debate back to the urban-school core."

Roberto Corrada is the other co-founder. He's a professor at the Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver and a former debater whose skill won him a scholarship that paid for his education.

Image by Blacksonville Community Network via Flickr

"Not only are kids interested in this, but they've got persistence, going from tournament to tournament, "he said. "I saw the first tournament, and by the third one, they'd grown immeasurably in the arguments they were making. I wouldn't have predicted they'd learn so quickly."

Being heard, motivated

Mostly, the students say they do it because it's fun. They like to argue, and to win. But there are fringe benefits.

"It gives motivation to keep your grades up, because in debate you have to have a C average," said Wendy Hoang.

Debater Alejandro Martinez likes his voice to be heard.

"When a tournament comes, you're like, 'Hey, I got all this evidence, and I got a way to change the world.' It feels good knowing someone is listening to you, and thinking there may be a possibility that this one kid might change something."

Why we debate:

2009-12-20T11:25:00.000-08:00

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- Debate enhances individualized programs of instruction for all students and overall reading, writing, and math

- Debate reinforces positive values, leadership, creativity, imagination, and reflection

- Debate empowers students to reflect from within as learners, teachers, achievers and advocates

- Debate prepares students to become members of their own community and to engage in civic participation

What does education look like 10 years from now?

2009-12-20T11:05:00.000-08:00

4/20 - I attended a local leadership breakfast by EPIC, of which the keynote speaker was Duval County School Board Member Brenda Priestly-Jackson. Attorney Priestly-Jackson spoke about the challenges with developing 21st century global leadership and how her new book uniquely addresses a many of those issues in a very unique way.

Image by Blacksonville Community Network via Flickr

"What does an education look like 2 years from now, what does it look like 7 years from now, 17 years, 34 years? We have to address this issue from a global perspective to properly educate evolving young people and the relationships they develop" says Brenda Priestly-Jackson.

She made several references from the cultural critique of Bill Hoots. There is a disconnect between in education, and 360 learning that separates the bodies, mind and soul of today's youth.

I was fortunate to have sat beside Mr. Dwayne Thomas, a critical thinking educator at Paxon Middle School who was very forthright about his intent to help close the disparity gap of black male educators in local urban public schools. He asked Mrs.Priestly- Jackson if the Strategic Plan of the DCPS addressed this issue.

I went on to share with Dwayne that ownership is critical to sustainable development of human capital and quality program implementation. "We have to institutionalize the top programs / curricula that yield Results and those that have the highest level of participation and commitment from parents, the community and local schools."

Jermyn Shannon

My visit to engage local schools in debate

2009-12-20T10:51:00.000-08:00

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Visited Butler Middle School - 05/2009
www.twitter.com/ebmsmc

I was very impressed upon first arrival at Butler Middle School. I remember the Butler of old, when I was in the 7th grade, at a run down gym about the size of three standard living rooms where we played basketball.

The new school was a old high school. It provides a much stronger learning environment with monumental structures to give that "higher learning" effect.

When I came in I was immediately introduced to the Vice Principal who introduced me to my tour guide, a Media Teacher called Mrs. Beryl White-Bing. Mrs. Beryl White-Bing, now a the head debate coach at Butler Middle, was very innovative and proved to be an advance educator who knew just about everyone in the school. She introduced me to at least 5 teachers who made a verbal commitment to work as Coaches or Volunteers at the school. The Volunteer Liaision is Ms. Lillie Vereen who coordinates activites within the school and outside with community and parent partners. The parent liaision was Mr. Funcheus.

Mrs. White-Bing introduced me to Mr. Melvin Crosby.
Email: jbalumni@yahoo.com
Web: www.myspace.com/ejbalumni

The school alumnist recruiter (of the seniors above forty five who attended Butler in the past).

Mr. Crosby also operates Men of Tomorrow, a organization dedicated to leadership and parental involvement in the lives of young people. They need one for the immediate parents who have children their now, which is where DUDL fits in perfectly with its Parent/Alumni program.

Stay tune for more about the Duval Urban Debate League (DUDL).