[Insert a Welcome Letter that speaks to the tradition and ...



[Insert School Name]Debate and ForensicsRules and Regulations [Insert school year]National Speech and Debate Association Code of Honor“As a member of the National Speech & Debate Association, I pledge to uphold the highest standards of integrity, humility, respect, leadership and service in the pursuit of excellence.”Integrity: An honor society member obeys the highest ethical standards and adheres to the rules of the organization. Members recognize that integrity is central to earning the trust, respect, and support of one’s peers. Integrity encompasses the highest regard for honesty, civility, justice, and fairness.Humility: A member does not regard him or herself more highly than others. Regardless of a person’s level of success, he or she always looks beyond oneself to appreciate the inherent value of others.Respect: A member respects individual differences and fosters diversity. He or she promotes tolerance, inclusion, and empowerment for people from a variety of backgrounds.Leadership: A member influences others to take positive action toward productive change. Members commit to thoughtful and responsible leadership that promotes the other core values in the Code of Honor.Service: A member exercises the talents he or she has been given to provide service to his or her peers, community, and the activity. At all times a member is prepared to work constructively to improve the lives of others.Adopted September 23, 2007 ? National Speech & Debate Association[Insert a Welcome Letter that speaks to the tradition and history of your program](Sample)Welcome LetterOn behalf of [name of high school] and the Fine Arts Department, I would like to welcome you to the Debate and Forensics programs. It is a privilege and a pleasure to have this opportunity to assist with developing each student's rhetorical and theatrical skills and talents. The [name of high school] Debate and Forensics programs are steeped in tradition with its excellence demonstrated across [state], as well as, the nation. [Insert info from last year’s national tournament; or focus on state successes from previous year].[Insert info about national champions and/or outstanding national tournament performances] [Insert state accomplishments in debate/speech][Insert NSDA info]The [name of school] National Speech and Debate Association Chapter currently boasts over [insert current number] members and degrees. The chapter has earned the leading chapter [number]. Nationally, the chapter is in the top [insert number] in the nation for members and degrees. [Insert information re NSDA All Americans and NSDA Academic All Americans, as well as, any other accomplishments.][Insert the “why” this handbook is being written] This booklet is being written to provide information valuable to you in knowing about the program. Our administration is very supportive of our fine tradition. Just last year, we had to raise over $10,000.00 for the trip to Nationals. Through the assistance of former students, parents, businesses, administration, and other individuals, we were able to meet our goal.[Insert your (coach’s) personal statement] If I can be of any assistance to you, feel free to contact me at any time. I have had the pleasure of writing many letters of recommendation for my debate and forensics students. My job is more than just teaching the fundamentals of debate and forensics. I am their mother, confidant, friend, counselor, and a variety of other roles. Let's all work together to have a positive and successful season! This group of fine students will continue the strong tradition already established by our debate and forensics alumni.(Sample) Daily Classroom EnvironmentGeneral Classroom Activities:A. Roll Call Question: students stand and respond to a fun or thoughtful question.B. Tournament Review: students report highlights from a weekend tournament.C. Work Day: students continuously improve their skills, research, and filing.D. In-Class Debate: students debate front of an audience.E. Announcements: students listen and respond to tournament or program information.F. Instruction: guided instruction with activitiesClassroom Expectations:You are expected to follow these rules strictly:1) No “stealing the spotlight” from other students during performances2) No put-downs, insults, or other derogatory comments to others3) No references to drugs, sex, bodily functions, or stereotypes.4) Don't create a mess!Workdays:Frequently, after the first two months of school, we will have workdays during class time. This is an opportunity for students to do research, file, copy, receive individualized coaching, and construct arguments. There are no points assigned for working (or not working) during workdays. Students should be aware, however, that several coaching decisions are based on the work ethic and preparedness of debate teams. Work nights:Optional work nights are held throughout the week. Attendance at work nights is optional, but students are expected to contribute to the success of the squad or they may be asked to leave. In general, work nights are more relaxed and less structured than classroom work time. Work nights are subject to cancellation based on a) lack of attendance, b) lack of necessity, c) lack of coaching availability, and d) lack of effective use of class timeClassroom Rules and Consequences:Being a part of the debate program means spending a lot of time in the debate classroom before, during, and after school. You are always welcome, and you will find that many of your closest friendships are built within the walls of the debate classroom. However, we must co-exist peacefully, which requires some rules and consequences to ensure that we honor each other's space and needs.(Sample)GRADING SCALE FOR ADVANCED DEBATERS—[Insert school year]TaskTask NameYour ScorePossible Pts1Tournament #1--2502Tournament #2--2503Tournament #3--2504Tournament #4--2505Tournament #5--2506Tournament #6--2507Tournament #7--2508Tournament #8--2509Practice Rd #1-- Date:2010Practice Rd #2-- Date:2011Practice Rd #3-- Date:2012Practice Rd #4-- Date:2013Practice Rd #5-- Date:2014Practice Rd #6-- Date: 2015Practice Rd #7-- Date: 2016Practice Rd #8-- Date: 2017Practice Rd #9-- Date: 2018Practice Rd #10-- Date:2019Judges--JMH--15 hrs x 1015020Lounge--JMH10021Wins (6 pts each)33622Losses (3 pts. each)12023Briefs #1--Title3024Briefs #2--Title3025Briefs #3--Title3026Briefs #4--Title3027Briefs #5--Title3028Briefs #6--Title3029Briefs #7--Title3030Briefs #8--Title3031Briefs #9--Title3032Briefs #10--Title3033Updates to Briefs2034Updates to Briefs2035Updates to Briefs2036Updates to Briefs2037Updates to Briefs2038HomeworkTBD39Final Exam15040Other—aff case/drills/etcTBD41Squad Meetings, including Sat. Work sessions200Qualified to State /NFL Teams100Absence Policy before Tournament Attendance---If a student has missed three out of five days of school prior to the day of a tournament is to be attended, h/she will not be allowed to participate in the tournament. This does not distinguish between excused and unexcused absences. A day will be three hours or more missed.(Sample) GRADING SCALE FOR NOVICE DEBATE—[Insert school year]Listed below are areas in which you can earn points. Each are lists with a maximum number. This is done to prevent anyone from earning all points in a few areas. The 9 wks. grade will be based on approximately 350+ points.TaskTask NameYour ScorePossible Pts1Tournament #1--2502Tournament #2--2503Tournament #3--2504Tournament #4--2505Tournament #5--2506Tournament #6--2507Tournament #7--2508Tournament #8--2509Practice Rd #1-- Date:2010Practice Rd #2-- Date:2011Practice Rd #3-- Date:2012Practice Rd #4-- Date:2013Practice Rd #5-- Date:2014Practice Rd #6-- Date: 2015Practice Rd #7-- Date: 2016Practice Rd #8-- Date: 2017Practice Rd #9-- Date: 2018Practice Rd #10-- Date:2019Judges--JMH--15 hrs x 1015020Lounge--JMH10021Wins (6 pts each)33622Losses (3 pts. each)12023Briefs #1--Title3024Briefs #2--Title3025Briefs #3--Title3026Briefs #4--Title3027Briefs #5--Title3028Briefs #6--Title3029Briefs #7--Title3030Briefs #8--Title3031Briefs #9--Title3032Briefs #10--Title3033Updates to Briefs2034Updates to Briefs2035Updates to Briefs2036Updates to Briefs2037Updates to Briefs2038HomeworkTBD39Final Exam15040Other—aff case/drills/etcTBD41Squad Meetings, including Sat. Wsessions20042Qualified to State /NFL Teams100Total(Sample) FORENSICS REQUIREMENTS--LETTER GRADE [Insert school year]TaskTask NameYour ScorePossible Pts1Tournament #1--2502Tournament #2--2503Tournament #3--2504Tournament #4--2505Tournament #5--2506Tournament #6--2507Tournament #7--2508Tournament #8--2509Fri Tourn 3x12537510Fri Event 1x50x3 tournaments15011FRO 8 x 5040012Final Placement--100 per event (IE)160013Final Placement--100 per event (LD/PFD/Cong)30014Events IE 50x2x4--1st 9 wks40015Events IE 50x2x4--2nd 9 wks40016Wkly sheets 50x9--1st 9 wks45017Wkly sheets 50x9--2nd 9 wks45018Out of class Perf 3x per wk x9 wks 10 ea27019Out of class Perf 3x per wk x 9 wks 10 ea27020Judges--GEB--10 hrs x 1010021Lounge--GEB10022Qualified to State /NFL Teams10023Final Project25024OtherTotal4000 pts. minimum for A(Sample) [Insert State Activities Assn or Governing Body Rules] Rules for TravelRULES OF CONDUCT FOR DEBATE AND FORENSICS STUDENTS1.KSHSAA RULESTHESE RULES ARE IN EFFECT FOR IN-TOWN AND OUT-OF-TOWN TOURNAMENTS!A.All students will be in their motel/hotel rooms by 11:00; lights out by 11:30 (overnights).B.No drinking, drugs, smoking, etc. will be tolerated. (In-town and out-of-town tournaments).C.An adult sponsor must be present at every tournament.D.Students must be academically eligible. They must have successfully passed 5 classes the previous semester.E.No student may attend more than 8 invitational tournaments.2.#501 SCHOOL BOARD POLICIESTHESE RULES ARE IN EFFECT FOR IN-TOWN AND OUT-OF-TOWN TOURNAMENTS!A.Student handbook rules regarding drinking, drugs, etc. will be followed.B.No student may drive to a school sponsored activity unless it is within the county and the proper form is on file with the coach/sponsor.C.Students may not ride with other students unless the driver's parents have given permission to transport other students. Students who are riding with another student must furnish a written permission note signed by parents.3.SQUAD RULESA.Students may not smoke while attending squad functions/traveling with the squad. Policies of the school hosting the tournament are to be followed regarding smoking on school grounds.B.Students must have missed fewer than 3 days of classes in the 5 days prior to a tournament. A day is considered three hours or more. Excused or unexcused absences are treated identically. An attendance check will be made each week for students scheduled to compete. Grades will be checked on a weekly basis. If a teacher feels that a student should not miss class, that student will not attend a tournament, which requires missing a particular class.C.A TOURNAMENT IS OFFICIALLY OVER AFTER ANNOUNCEMENTS/POSTINGS OF ELMINATION ROUNDS AT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON SATURDAY OF A TOURNAMENT.D.All rules stated above are to be enforced regardless of who is sponsoring. Any violations of rules will be disciplined according to the nature of the infraction. Students violating KSHSAA or School Board policies will be subject to penalties assigned by those bodies. Students violating squad rules will either have overnight privileges removed, forfeit one tournament, or have all remaining tournament privileges removed depending upon the seriousness of the offense. Students violating KSHSAA or Board policies will not be allowed to participate in future competitive debate/forensic activities.E. Rules will be added/amended at the discretion of the coaching staff and discussed with the squad when new rules are created/will be enforced.(Sample) DRESS CODE, TRANSPORTATION, MEALS, SUPPLIESDRESS CODEAll students are to be "dressed-up" when attending either a debate or a forensic tournament. The following code is just a minimum of expectation for each student:____________HS Tournament Dress Code(Courtesy of Katie Kantrowitz, Oregon)Dress is extremely important at a speech tournament - part of the expectation of [name of state Activities Assn. or governing body] and NSDA competition is that you are dressed professionally and appropriately. Since you are also representing our school and our team, the following standards must be met:During competition:Neat, Clean, and Professional: clothes should be free from wrinkles and stains, and if in doubt, always err on the side of more conservative.On top: Button-ups, dress shirts, blouses, sweaters, cardigans, jackets, blazers, ties/bow-ties. NO t-shirts, low-necks, spaghetti straps, rips, or tears. If possible, refrain from logos.On bottom: slacks, skirts/dresses (knee-length or below), dress pants. NO shorts, tube skirts, jeans, rips, or tears. Shoes: pumps, dress shoes, flats. Dark socks ONLY with dress shoes. Non-distracting tights or hose, please. NO sneakers, tennis shoes, sandals, open-toed shoes. NO VISIBLE UNDIES.Jewelry: less is more. Nothing flashy, too brightly colored, or overly eye-catching. The focus should be on you, not your accessories.Hair: out of your eyes, combed, and neat. If you have a habit of playing with your hair or brushing it off of your face when you get nervous, secure it so that it will not be a temptation for you.Makeup: as natural as possible - this is not the time to try out your red lipstick and bright blue nail polish.Again, the look is Business Professional. Think of lawyers, executives, and bank tellers - - NOT Urban Outfitters ads, party-goers, or your teachers. Between rounds, before and after competition:ALWAYS bring extra dress clothes: catastrophes do happen.A more comfortable pair of shoes is recommended for getting to your rounds on time, particularly on bigger campuses, but you will enter the room in your competition shoes.No pajamas. You may bring an extra, more comfortable set of clothes, but you must always look like you are ready for the day. Remember, you are representing (insert your high school name) High School at an (insert the name of your state Activities Assn. or governing body) competition, and you never know who could be a judge and when they are evaluating you. Appearance makes a difference, in rounds and out!.Tournament Behavior:A debate tournament is a professional activity. Your actions are on display, and are being observed by future judges, coaches, and other schools. If you wouldn't do it with [insert coach(es)] watching you, you shouldn't be doing it at all. Failure to behave appropriately at a tournament may result in consequences that include parents being called to pick you up, office referral, and denial of participation (and points).Awards Assembly:The purpose of an awards assembly is to spotlight those students who are among the best competitors in each event. Do nothing which distracts from their recognition.Tradition #1: Focus all your attention on what is happening on stage at all times.Tradition #2: Applaud all who are recognized . . . never scream, yell, or cheer.Tradition #3: We do not participate in pre-assembly games and antics . . . period!During the Round:You are expected to follow a few guidelines during every debate:1) enter the room only when you are ready to debate.2) greet the judge with “good morning” or "good afternoon" and answer questions politely3) if the judge does not offer a paradigm, ask if he or she has any debate preferences4) debate as though a respected relative, religious leader, or admired teacher was judging5) begin packing up after the 2AR – doing so before appears as though you are giving upTRANSPORTATIONSchool transportation (van or bus) will be provided for all out-of-town tournaments. For in-town tournaments, students must provide their own transportation. Our budget cannot assume costs for Topeka tournaments. If a student is 16 and has a valid driver's license, then the appropriate permit form must be on file. MEALS FOR TOURNAMENTSStudents will have a $3.50/meal allowance for all out-of-town tournaments. This amount is for each meal scheduled by the coach. Each student is encouraged to take additional money to help supplement this allowance. There is no meal allowance for in-town tournaments. Students must bring their money to purchase their lunch or pack a sack lunch.WHO TO CONTACT WHEN ILLIf your son or daughter becomes ill in the night before a debate or a forensics tournament, it is your responsibility to contact a member of the coaching staff prior to 6:00 a.m. on Saturday of the tournament. If there is a conflict for the weekend assigned, you need to contact me at least 1 week prior to the tournament, so I can make the necessary substitutions. Please be sure that a note also accompanies the return to school of your son or daughter, so I can record that information on my grading cards.You need to fill out an emergency health care card, so we can have the necessary medical information in case of illness or an accident. Please return these cards immediately.SUPPLIES FOR DEBATE AND FORENSICS[Make a list of what a student will need, and the parents must provide for them. If your school does not provide meal money for tournaments outside of the city limits, give your parents information as to what they can do.]WHY FUNDRAISING?The Board of Education allots a certain amount of money to each high school into a line item called: Debate/Forensics, etc. The portion of money allocated from this account solely for the purpose of debate and forensics is $4,500.00. At the end of first semester last year, debate had exceeded the budget by $850.00. Second semester forensics had yet to begin with 75+ students. Because debate and forensics are an expensive business, an activity fund has been in place to assist in supplementing our Board allotted budget. This activity fund earns money from the debate and forensics squads hosting numerous tournaments, fundraising, private donations, etc. The money will be used for the following:1.NSDA dues$______for new member$_____+ for NFL pins2.Xerox dues$10.00 per semester for paper, toner, repairs, etc.3.Other$ 5.00 remainder will be used to supplement travel,meals, entry fees, and other expensesA student can sell over $50.00 in various fundraising items. The squad as a whole will be involved in fundraising as a major means of supplementing our Board allotment. As you can see, debate and forensics are an expensive business. Your assistance in our fundraising endeavors will be greatly appreciated. Many of the fundraising companies are offering prizes or cash incentives for the students, so that both the seller and the organization can profit. The bottom line on selling the products is that the buyers are supporting the debate and forensics programs(Sample) SOME COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT DEBATE/FORENSICS [This will vary according to your school/state.]1.Who may debate?Anyone who signs up for Novice Debate during the first semester. Debate is offered only during the first semester [specify the seasons of your activities in your state]. It is replaced by Forensics during the second semester. These classes meet the speech and Fine Arts requirements for graduation [insert if you have a school district graduation requirement or state graduation one].2.Must a student take both debate and forensics?No. You may take one or the other or both.3.Will there be large crowds of observers?No. Usually the only people present beside the members of the two teams are the judge and the timekeeper.4.Will debate take up every weekend?No. There are approximately [insert the number of weeks in your season] in the debate season. According to [insert governing body who oversees debate/forensics]rules, a student may participate only in [insert the number] tournaments. Most novices attend at least 5 tournaments. Some of the novice tournaments are held after school on a week night.5.Where are tournaments held?[Insert school] attends approximately 40 different tournaments during the semester. Some are held in-town; others are held in [various cities, states your school travels]to name a few. We attend tournaments in all sizes of towns and schools.6.Is it possible to participate in sports and other activities while debating or forensicating?Yes. Since debaters/forensicators compete in only one third of the tournaments, it is possible to arrange tournament participation around band, sports, and jobs.7.How much time is required?The amount of time spent on debate is determined by the individual. Some students spend only the time in class; others spend 10 to 15 hours per week outside. Debate should not come before other school work. And it is not necessary to devote all of your free time to debate to gain the benefits. You can expect to spend an occasional Saturday or an evening before attending the first few tournaments in preparation.8.Will debate hurt your grades?In the past 10 years anywhere from 75% to 90% of the seniors who participated in debate graduated in the top 20% of the class. There are many debaters who have qualified for National Merit Honors. If anything, debate will help your grades by making you use your time more efficiently. The skills you develop in debate will help you in all of your other classes. This course will prepare you for college.9.How much money is involved?The school will pay for all entry fees, almost all meals, overnight accommodations, and travel expenses. You will need to purchase supplies. Occasionally, you may want to supplement the meal allotment.10.Will you miss a great deal of school?No. Most novice tournaments are held on Saturday. All forensics tournaments are on Saturday for individual events. L-D and Student Congress are on Friday afternoons. When attending a two day tournament, the student will not leave until 5th or 6th hours. At most, a student will miss 1 1/2 to 2 days per semester. Teachers will be informed in advance that students will miss and can then receive their assignments.11.Who debates?It is difficult to classify debaters into one category. But many well-known people have debated. Someone estimated that 80% of the people listed in Who'sWho had some debate experience. Some former debaters include: Hubert Humphrey, LBJ, Sen. McGovern, Sen. Birch Bayh, Attorney General Janet Reno, and Hillary Rodham Clinton.(Sample) REASONS TO PARTICIPATE IN DEBATE/FORENSICS, ESPECIALLY AT [INSERT SCHOOL]1.Debate and forensics can do much to improve your organization, research, analytical, public speaking and theatrical skills.2.These courses can improve your delivery, style, and ability to get up and speak to people.3.Debate has ripple effects in helping you in other classes like history, biology, chemistry, and English. Teachers at [insert school] believe that debaters are far better prepared for their various academic classes than other students.4.Debate and forensics allow the student the opportunity to compete against other students from a variety of schools in [insert state]. [Insert school] has the largest debate and forensics squad in [school district].5.You can become a member of the National Speech and Debate Association. NSDA is a national organization for all debate and speech students in the U.S. By competing in the district NSDA contests and becoming a winner, you can qualify for the National Tournament. [Insert the name of the school] has qualified students for the past [insert number of years] to nationals. (Insert school name) students have travelled to (list national tournament cities your students have qualified to nationals). This year Nationals are in [insert site of tournament]..6.Debate and forensics afford the student many scholastic opportunities. For the past twelve years, many of the National Merit Scholarship finalists and semi-finalists were [insert school name] debaters/forensicators. Academically, these students are in the top 20% of their class.7.Scholarship opportunities abound for debaters and forensicators. Since students must have a speech and a Fine Arts credit for graduation, college bound students should seriously consider taking debate/forensics to meet these requirements. Why? The skills you learn in debate are "life skills" which you will be able to utilize in all facets of life.8.Students involved in debate and forensics learn the art of persuasion. The skills taught in debate and forensics are intensive ones. Those skills cannot be learned in-depth in a regular speech class.Debate and Forensicsat[Insert school name][Insert school year]Why Should I Debate and/or do Forensics?With the recent adoption of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) by 45 states, a debate and a forensics student will be head and shoulders above their peers in meeting the requirements. The focus of these standards, which replace NCLB (No Child Left Behind), is on the skills gained from these activities. This is why most debate/forensics students are highly successful in college.The CCSS emphasized the following skills: critical thinking, complex reading of informational texts, listening, arguing, and speaking in different situations, and researching. Because the summative and the formative assessments will require students to be able to speak to a variety of textual information and have to make cogent arguments and support their claims, debaters and forensics students have an immediate jump on their peers. These skills are every day for our students.Since the founding of [insert school name], the debate and forensics program has been an integral part of the school. Students have been competing nationally since [date]. During the past [insert number] years of my coaching, [provide a synopsis of national experiences and accomplishments].Simply put, debate and forensics can become your most important classroom. The skills learned by competitive debaters and forensicators are fundamental to success, both in the academic and professional worlds. These life skills acquired are numerous.Research and Critical Reading--Debaters and forensics students become very familiar with how to do research at a library and on the internet quickly and effectively. Students learn closed reading strategies, marking the text, analyzing authors’ purpose, comparing/contrasting a variety of texts, munication Skills--Businesses say the #1 skill they look for when hiring is the ability to communicate with others. Developing outstanding public speaking skills and being able to answer questions quickly and effectively are necessary in a global world.Writing--Debaters and forensics students spend vast amount of time writing and creating their arguments, their speeches, and their introductions for interp. This becomes an invaluable skill in college.Awareness of the world around you—These students become very knowledgeable about current events and what it means to be a global citizen in order to be successful.College Admissions--Colleges favor debatersAccording to Minh Luong, Assistant Professor at Yale University:"A Wall Street Journal report (April 16, 1999) did specifically highlight a 'consistent trend' that dedicated participation in debate has significantly increased the success rate of college applicants at all schools which track such data. State and national award winners have a 22% to 30% higher acceptance rate at top tier colleges and being captain of the debate team "improved an applicant's chances by more than 60% compared with the rest of the pool," according to the report. This is significantly better than other extracurricular activities that tend to recruit from the same pool of students as forensic teams such as school newspaper reporter (+3%), sports team captain (+5%), class president (+5%), and band (+3%). Even without winning major awards, participation in speech and debate develops valuable skills that colleges are seeking out and that is reflected in the above average acceptance rate for forensic students (+4%). Colleges and universities today are looking for critical thinkers and articulate communicators who will become active citizens and leaders of tomorrow."Recent graduates of Topeka High School who were debaters are studying at Stanford, Duke, Harvard, Brown, Georgetown, MIT, University of Michigan, University of Penn, George Washington University, Washington University, Williams, Columbia, New York University, Carnegie Mellon, Emory, to just name a few.Why spend time doing this?It is FUN!!! No other activity do you get to travel and have the award possibilities that debate and forensics offer. You will make life-long friends from other schools, and will network with former alumni.You get to around smart people. Most of our students are involved in AP, Honors or Gifted and Talented.Skills and College Favor: The skills you learn will place you ahead of others in the college admission game.How much after school time does debate and forensics take?Like athletics or music, there is practice time expected. This is academic football, and you must practice to be good. Depending on the events that you specialize, you will only be expected to be at 2 practices a week. You will also be expected to attend a minimum of 4 debate tournaments during the semester or a maximum of 8. Forensics students will spend three (3) 30 minute sessions per week out of class with any of our coaching staff to perfect their performance and/or go over ballots, do rewrites of speeches, etc.I am involved in other after school events that have practice--can I participate in both?YES--THS has a philosophy of creating well-rounded students. We have a great working relationship with the athletic coaches and band directors. The debate coaches and other coaches will work together to help. You will be required to attend practice s for both, but this will be worked out for your maximum participation.Can I be in debate and not be in the class?NO--debate class is the time to learn the theory and arguments. You must be in the class to succeed. This is a weighted GPA class when you are a 4th year debater.Can I be in the class and not go to tournaments?NO--you are a part of the team when you join the class. It is like being in athletics and not going to the game. The classroom provides basic training, and the tournament is putting that training into action.Successful Debater and Forensics ProfileAs with any profile, there will be some exceptions. These characteristics are the most commonly observed among successful debate students and can be used to counsel students in making appropriate course selections, one way or the quarter of their class. Many of the top 20 have been in debate in the last 10 years including multiple valedictorians.Currently enrolled or eligible for AP, Honors--often gifted and talented.Interest in law, politics, business, education, government, current events, history, management, international affairs, social issues, etc.Strong history/ English studentsCreativeInnate curiosityArticulateChallenging, questioningRisk-takerSelf-motivatedCharismatic--will sparkleLeadersEnjoys involvementLikes reading, not necessarily required reading, but likes to read for pleasureCollege bound--often competitive collegeWill often also be a strong math/science studentAdapts easily to new situationsCompetitiveYou will become a member of one of the largest National Honor Societies in the nation--the National Speech and Debate Association. Colleges and Universities look very favorably on this organization and a student's involvement. The more years of involvement will be a plus when applying to very prestigious schools. Scholarship money is available for being involved in these activities. Currently, students are engaged in debate and forensics at KU, Bradley University, and Lafayette University.(Sample) SQUAD LEADERS/NFL OFFICERSSquad Leaders provide an integral part of the debate program at THS. These students are selected for their expertise in debate and their leadership abilities. Your son or daughter has been assigned a squad leader to assist them with peer tutoring in debate.President:Vice President:Secretary:Treasurer:Historian/Parliamentarian:Social Chair:Student Leadership Committee Rep (NSDA):(Sample) LETTERING REQUIREMENTS FOR DEBATE/FORENSICSDEBATE:To letter in debate, a student must attend a minimum of 5 tournaments. To letter, a student must place twice in any division above novice or have record (50% or better) that qualifies them for state consideration. FORENSICS:To letter in forensics, a student must attend a minimum of 5 tournaments and place in the top 6 contestants twice in any individual event, be elected as Outstanding Representative or Senator at Student Congress, or place twice at an LD or PFD tournament.Lettering will consist of a Chenille letter for the first year, followed by a pin for the second year designating the area for lettering, followed by bars to indicate years of lettering in the activity.(Sample) Parent’s ResponsibilitiesParticipation in the [insert school name] Debate Program requires some assistance from parents. It is the student’s responsibility to keep parents informed of upcoming events and activities.Parent’s Checklist:___ I have signed and read the Medical Treatment form.___ I have signed and read the Transportation Form.___ I am aware that the Debate Manual lists program requirements and policies in detail, and that my student is responsible for observing these policies.___ I am aware that competing in tournaments is not a right guaranteed to my student, and that assignments and projects may be assigned in lieu of competition.___ I am aware that participation in the Debate/Forensics Program requires each student to compete at several weekend tournaments, plus one mandatory tournament at [insert school name]. Tournaments generally last from 2:00pm to 9:00pm on Friday, and from 7:00am to late afternoon or evenings on Saturday.___ I am aware that there are basic dress code requirements for all students at debate tournaments. ___ I am aware that we will have optional work nights at [insert school name] on Tuesday/Thursday from 3:00 to 6:00 in rm. 103.___ I am aware that no student will be allowed to leave any tournament unless arrangements are made by the parent prior to the Thursday preceding the tournament. Failure to make adequate arrangements may cause a loss of points for the students. Emergencies are obvious exceptions. ___ I am aware that parents who plan to pick up their child must enter the building and make personal contact with the coach or sponsor before the child may be released to the parent.___ I am aware that the research demands of this activity require extensive internet usage and exposure to political and alternative ideas (i.e. the policies of the current administration are wonderful or horrible). The purpose of these arguments is not to change the student, but to test the limits of a hypothetical argument. ___ I understand that there is a website that will share tournament information for access, email [Insert coach’s name and email address]I have read and reviewed the information presented above. Questions? Call [Insert school phone number to classroom].Parent: _________________________________________________________________ Date:_________Student: ________________________________________________________________ Date:_________(Sample) Medical/Transportation Forms(Sample) School-Technology Forms[Insert other important pieces of information:Debate Directory of all students w/phone numbers, address, city, zip—identify advanced or noviceSchedule of all debate and forensics tournaments for the seasonSchedule for district qualifiers: dates, sites, timesSchedule of regional/state tournaments: dates, sites, times ................
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