ASAP/After School Activities Partnerships
Philadelphia Scholastic Debate League
ASAP/After School Activities Partnerships coordinates the Philadelphia Scholastic Debate League among Philadelphia public high schools. With financial assistance from Wachovia and TelAmerica and through aggressive outreach and recruitment, ASAP has expanded the League from six high schools to 15, with a diverse group of student participants from different backgrounds and neighborhoods across the city, all eager to contribute their unique oral skills.
Research shows that debate offers young people an opportunity to develop and excel in oral presentation, research, strategic thinking and sportsmanship. According to the National Association of Urban Debate Leagues, students participating in debate for only one year experienced a 44% improvement in critical thinking skills. In addition, teachers reported a 50% reduction in the number of disciplinary referrals for students involved in debate clubs.
The importance of debate cannot be under-estimated with debate students receiving higher grades than comparable non-debaters. Also, high school debaters are more motivated and better prepared to pursue higher education. The students who participate in debate represent a rich, ethnically diverse group from primarily low-income families across the city. Debate puts them in a position to develop communication and public speaking skills, but also patience and tolerance for other team members’ positions on issues, thus promoting broader understanding of different points of view and interests. The outcome is a well-rounded young person capable of researching issues, presenting facts and arguments and possessing the confidence and interest to pursue further education.
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For more information, contact Brian Pollock at bpollock@comcast.net
The participating schools from 2007-2008
William W. Bodine
Central
Charter High for Architecture and Design
Engineering & Science
Esperanza Academy
Samuel Fels
Frankford
Franklin Towne Charter
George Washington
Girls High
Masterman
Northeast
Olney
South Philadelphia