Broward schools make the case for debate classes with NSDA support
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-broward-debate-classes-20141222-story.html
Broward schools make the case for debate classes
Carline Jean, Sun Sentinel
By Scott Travis
Debate classes expand in effort to teach students to analyze material and think critically.
Broward offers debate in all 34 traditional high schools and added them this year in 13 middle schools.
Broward County students are arguing more in class these days, and school district officials say there's no debate that's a good thing.
Carline Jean, Sun Sentinel
The district has made a case for debate programs, offering them in all 34 traditional high schools -- up from 12 in 2012 – and adding them this year in 13 middle schools. Officials plan to eventually expand it into all district middle schools and some elementary school teachers have expressed interest in bringing it to even younger students.
Debate supporters argue it teaches students to analyze material and think critically. Research shows debate skills improve literacy levels, student confidence and social skills. And students who take debate are also more likely to graduate from high school and attend college, officials say.
"They can go and take any test, and they're not as challenged," said Courtney Chipman, a teacher and debate coach at Margate Middle. "And being able to speak up is a great skill that goes beyond education."
The move to expand debate was started several years ago by debate coaches at schools with strong programs, such as Nova High and Cypress Bay High in Weston. They worked with the Wisconsin-based National Speech & Debate Association to persuade the district to make forensics a priority in Broward County.
"There were all these young people that could benefit from this opportunity, but there was no real plan or strategy to try to get an instructor or an educational program," said Scott Wunn, executive director of the national debate group.
The group has provided the district with about $200,000 for teacher training and tournament scholarships for developing programs. The efforts have received support from Superintendent Robert Runcie and the School Board.
For schools not yet ready to compete in state and national competitions, the district has created "junior varsity" leagues that hold local tournaments.
Chipman, who was on the debate team as a student at Nova High School in Davie, said she was excited to teach the class to middle school students.
In one of her recent eighth grade debate classes, students argued over whether police officers should be in schools.
"Police provide the school with protection and caution," said Martin Winn, 14, of North Lauderdale.
His argument was rebutted by Hermest Benoit, 13, who said the potential problems outweighed the benefits.
"There will be a sense of fear and intimidation," Hermest said. "If you're roaming the halls, and police are around, you'll feel anything you do is wrong."
The students are often passionate but Chipman teaches them to present their points in a respectful tone, which keeps the class from turning into the shouting fest often found on cable news shows.
Several Margate Middle students say it's their favorite class.
"I get to say what I want, but on an appropriate level, and I can get my point across," Hermest said.
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