Debate Orientation Jane Boyd

The Great Debaters “ Debate is combat and words are your weapons”. »Melvin Tolsen »The Great Debaters

Director - Ms. Jane G. Boyd, M.Ed. Room: (best method of contact) Phone: (817) Cell phone: Responsibilities: Directs program Teaches Debate Teaches Professional Communication

Description - Students will gain skills in: –Research –Organization –Logic –Reasoning –Critical Thinking –Time Management –Writing –Problem solving –Knowledge of world events –Ability to speak on a wide variety of topics

Course description Debate I is an exploratory Class learning all events: –Extemporaneous Speaking –Policy Debate –Lincoln Douglas Debate –Congressional Debate –Public Forum Debate

information Varsity Debate –Fine tunes and develops advanced debate skills in the division of their choice as well as extemporaneous speaking. Contest Preparation

Competition and Practice Tournament Participation –Debate I –5 tournaments between September and February 9 –You may attend more for extra credit – the more you do the more you will improve. –Varsity Debate –10 tournaments between September and February 9 Practices – ––Policy Debate and Public Forum – Tuesday from 4:00-6:30 –- Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Congressional DebateThursday, 4: –No appointments on practice day!

Rules and Expectations -Respect and Responsibility are required. Practices and tournament participation mandatory. PLEASE BE ON TIME FOR PRACTICE AND DON’T LEAVE EARLY. Novices Must work 6 hours for novice and the Varsity ENTIRE tournament at Grapevine Classic September **Students must also recruit 3 time slots of judges for community friendly debate/public speaking rounds. Judge forms due September 3

Class Expectations Students will try their hardest every day. Tardy policy will be enforced. Show respect for person speaking. Bring materials daily. Complete Assignments on Time. Follow Rules of the Debate Team. Students will participate in all fund raising events

Grading Policy NOVICE Tournament Participation – 10% –Plan accordingly with family Practice Attendance – 20% –Don’t make appointments on practice days. Class assignments and Daily work – 70%

Grading Policy Varsity Tournament Participation – 30% –Plan accordingly with family Practice Attendance – 30% –Don’t make appointments on practice days. Class assignments and Daily work – 40%

No Pass No Play Students must be passing ALL classes to participate in Debate tournaments –Help Keep grades up Please make sure student has Less time on Facebook, Twitter, or World of Warcraft than on homework and debate work.

Materials needed Materials need for Debate 1 For Daily Class (have here by tomorrow & every day you’re a debater at GHS) –Flash drive (minimum 2 GB) –Several pens (multiple colors) VERY FINE point.(.05 point) –1 box of Kleenex brand tissue (or equivalent quality) –1 digital timer – Ms. Boyd will be ordering some for $10 –A laptop is strongly suggested (NOT an IPAD) –Binder with dividers with pockets

Varsity Materials For Daily Class (have here by tomorrow & every day you’re a debater at GHS) –Flash drive (minimum 2 GB) –Several pens (multiple colors) VERY FINE point.(.05 point) –1 digital timer – Ms. Boyd will be ordering some for $10 –A laptop is Mandatory (NOT an IPAD)

Key Team Rules GCISD rules apply even on tournaments Debaters responsible for all financial obligations in a timely manner –Local Tournament fee - $30 due Wed PRIOR to the tournament. –Overnight and out of state tournaments – Students pay room, board, air and ground transportation. School will pay entry and judge fee as well as the coach expenses. Transportation – At most tournaments parents will be responsible for transportation to and from the tournament. If numbers or distance indicate need – we will use a school bus (RARE) CARPOOL! Must stay for whole tournament – –If student MUST leave on a rare basis – a note from the parent requesting permission must be to Ms. Boyd by WED., PRIOR to the tournament.

Team Rules and Expectations – con’t Follow Dress Code Guidelines –Must Stay dressed until after awards. –Business Professional Men – Dress shirt, dress pants, tie, dark socks, dress shoes, and a suit jacket or sports coat. Women – Dress, skirt with nice blouse, Pant Suit (must have jacket that goes with it),Dress suit, appropriate professional shoes. –(flats for between rounds need to match the outfit) **Dress for success!

Team Rules and Expectations - cont Watch elimination rounds. –If students are not debating they will be watching and learning from those who are in those rounds until ALL Grapevine students are eliminated. –Support team mates.

Acronyms TFA – Texas Forensic Association UIL – University Scholastic League NSDA – National Speech and Debate Association TOC – Tournament of Champions CX – Cross Examination Debate (Policy Debate) LD –Lincoln Douglas Debate Extemp – Extemporaneous Speaking PFD – Public Forum Debate Congress – Congressional Debate

Forms Volunteer Information Release. Pull down parents Volunteer background check This is a district requirement for all parents/siblings/friends/family members who will be involved in any way in carpool efforts, tournament volunteer/judging, chaperone, Grapevine Classic, etc. A new form is required annually for every person who will serve as a volunteer.

Forms Continued Certificate of Understanding of rules and consequences. Positive pledge. Membership must be renewed each year. Medical Information/Independent Travel Permission Form. Must be completed annually.