For Parents
How does debate actually work?
What does debate world look like?
How can debate help my child?
It starts when they are young
A successful debate parent starts explaining the importance of reading and learning about history and current events from 3rd and 4th grade. That way when they enter debate in the 5th grade, students are ready to take on the challenge.
It is a tough activity to reach the top, so even students who can go into a class and get an A, pass a test without studying much, or wow the grownups at the dinner table need to work very hard. Imagine putting all of the highest achievers in a competition against each other, with other high achieving judges! That is debate.
Luckily, our debaters meet students from around the world, and hear judges from over 20 different countries and all over the United States. They are able to compete online and in person for a well rounded debate experience.
Online Coaching?
Debate Team?
Points?
Huh?
The steps are pretty simple:
Before each month payment should be made using zelle or cash app
Students will meet on google meets and send the link for a calendar
meeting on google so that would be the best way to log on for the students.
They just go straight to their calendar and press the time and meeting pops up.
Students will be expected to participate in at least one debate tournament per month on Saturday virtually.
They will be partnered up and there are 1 or 2 backup partners for each month.
They sign up for tournaments a month or two in advance to the best of their ability.
Adequate feedback for parents for meetings and tournaments to show progress.
They will share a folder with several notes called Briefs, and cases they will modify or write themselves.
Debate season lasts until the middle of June.
Regarding tournaments
Saturdays from 10 to about 5 are taken up for 4 to 5 rounds of Debate. It's a pretty rigorous day of mental stamina building. But it is prepping them for longer tournaments in the future. $25 for registration.
The topics are studied months or weeks prior to the tournament. And during the tournament they might debate both sides of the argument.
They have a point system that ranks them in the tournament but it's mostly based on wins and loses.
There are divisions from novice to varsity and sometimes they are combined based on numbers of debaters.
Judges are hired from a professional group of judges that have experience. Debaters are also able to bring experienced and new judges as volunteers to avoid paying for the judge. But they share the judge pay (split three ways) $25
Parents generally can't watch virtual tournaments live but students can record audio for parents to hear afterwards.
Benefits of Debate for college admissions
Participation in speech and debate can demonstrate to college admissions officers a variety of important skills and experiences that are valued in college applicants. Some of the key ways that speech and debate can be beneficial for college admissions include:
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Critical thinking: Debate requires participants to analyze complex information and arguments, and to construct logical and persuasive counterarguments. This demonstrates strong critical thinking skills that are highly valued by colleges.
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Communication skills: Debate and speech require strong public speaking and communication skills. This is important for college admissions because it shows that the student has the ability to effectively communicate their ideas and thoughts.
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Leadership: Debate and speech often require students to take on leadership roles, such as organizing debates or speeches, or serving as team captain. This demonstrates leadership potential, which is a valuable asset for college admissions officers.
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Time management: Debate and speech often require significant time commitment, which shows to college admissions officers that the student is able to manage their time and prioritize their responsibilities
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Community Involvement: Debate and speech clubs often participate in community service activities and events, which can be an important factor that college admissions officers consider when evaluating applicants.
Overall, participation in speech and debate can demonstrate a wide range of skills and experiences that are valued by college admissions officers, and can help to set applicants apart from other applicants.