Archive for December 9th, 2009

A recent study finding tremendous academic gains for students participating in urban debate leagues has meant great things for the Boston Debate League, not only because of the impressive findings themselves, but because of the opportunity for publicity. Here’s a recent local news piece featuring compelling interviews with some of our students and coaches.

In a nutshell, the peer-reviewed study finds that debaters in urban public high schools are far more likely to improve their reading, writing, and English language skills, graduate high school, and attend college than are their non-debating counterparts.

It’s very important to note that this is not a self-selecting group. The two students interviewed here aren’t necessarily the best examples of this, but debate appeals to a wide variety of students. This includes English Language Learners, students achieving at well below grade level, students with a history of academic or behavioral problems, and even young people involved with gangs and drugs. In fact, the opportunity to engage with academic subjects in an active, student-centered way often holds unique appeal for students who have been turned off by more passive learning methods or who have failed to thrive in the traditional classroom.  Read the complete post...