The urban child continues, for some, be the underdog in the debate arena. I decided to step out on faith and reignite the debate teams in St. Louis.  The debate funding was stripped from the children, putting an immediate halt to the sport that so many of the looked forward to, year after year.

Since the start of the school year, the districts debate teams are regaining recognition that was ignored for several years.  The teachers are their coaches, and they give so much of their personal time to prepare our students for the more competitive teams throughout the state and country.  What many fail to realize is the connection between debate and student achievement.  Students are taught the skill of persuasion and rhetoric- they are taught to think critically, quickly, and demonstrate the ability to convey their thoughts clearly either in writing or verbally.  For many urban districts, the funding for debate teams is the first to be eliminated. I’d like to hear from my fellow colleagues -- who continue to wrestle for sustainable funding for your students -- while at the same time, sharing how your “great debaters” has helped to improve academic achievement.

Paula Knight is Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction K-12, for the St. Louis Public Schools.

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