Policy Debate is our high school fall semester class.

Class is offered in the fall, if interest,Tuesdays from late August to end of January.

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Theory is taught during the first quarter; competitive rounds are held during the last quarter.

Class members make up the competitive teams, and all rounds occur during class time.

 

Please see our Policy Debate Materials page for materials needed or recommended.
 

What is debate?
Debate is a formal argument. Each side presents their position with logic supported by researched facts and evidence. A judge decides which side has presented the most compelling position.  Teams will alternate positions through the debate season.

 

Policy Debate argues a specific US federal policy set by the Resolution each year (please see our Debate Resolution  page).  

 

Since the Resolution is new each year, students can retake our Policy Debate class annually and have a new experience as they master skills. (Just notate it as Policy Debate I, II, III, etc., on the high school transcript). 

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What do students learn?

Policy Debate is an excellent way to learn public communication, argumentation, and essential concepts in government, economics, worldview, and current events.

 

Typically this is a 1 credit course in high school communication, however, with additional reading, debate can earn credit in other high school subjects such as government and economics. To encourage additional reading the club offers individual pin awards to achieve.

Our club focuses on learning real life skills rather than gaming techniques. Student workload is typically about 5 to 10 hours of homework each week, which includes research time. Additional time may be expended if extension units are also pursued for additional high school credit or club pin award points.

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How can parents and siblings help?

Some parents are needed as judges. (We train!) Please see our volunteer judge orientation for those who are willing to help judge rounds. 

Some siblings, age 10 and above, are needed to act as timers. Please see our timer sheet and timer instructions.

For more details, see our other tab areas in Policy Debate and FAQ's.