2018 November/December Rostrum by Speech & Debate

A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL SPEECH & DEBATE ASSOCIATION

VOLUME 93 ISSUE 2 N O V. / D E C . 2 0 1 8

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camp? itthe the camp? IsIsIs ititthe camp? Only partially. Success aproduct product of of excellent and immensely talented students, incredibly hard working Only partially. Success is a product excellent and immensely talented students, incredibly hard working Only partially. Success isis a of excellent and immensely talented students, incredibly hard working coaches, supportive parents and schools, and exceptional amounts of of time that include investment in coaches, supportive parents and schools, and exceptional amounts time that include investment coaches, supportive parents and schools, and exceptional amounts of time that include investment in in summer opportunities. is that that understanding that makes UTNIF one of of thethe largest comprehensive institutes summer opportunities. is that understanding that makes UTNIF one largest comprehensive institutes summer opportunities. ItItisIt understanding that makes UTNIF one of the largest comprehensive institutes country year after year, and why wewe have assembled some of of thethe brightest forensic minds in inthe the country year after year, and why have assembled some brightest forensic minds in the ininthe country year after year, and why we have assembled some of the brightest forensic minds in the the nation forfor our program. is also also that educational philosophy that has enabled alumni of our summer nation our program. It is also that educational philosophy that has enabled alumni summer nation for our program. ItIt is that educational philosophy that has enabled alumni of of ourour summer programs to succeed at every level, from high school and well into collegiate forensic competition. programs succeed every level, from high school and well into collegiate forensic competition. programs to to succeed at at every level, from high school and well into collegiate forensic competition.

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CX first session: June 2525 July 1313 CX first session: June June - July CX first session: 25 -- July 13 CX second session: July 17 August second session:July July - August CXCX second session: 1717 - August 44 4 Speech Events: June 27 July 12 (extension through July 16)16) Speech Events: June - July (extension through July Speech Events: June 2727 - July 1212 (extension through July 16) PF first session: June 30 July 12 first session: June - July PFPF first session: June 3030 - July 1212 PF second session: July 1919 July 3131 PF second session:July July - July PF second session: 19 -- July 31 LD: July 1919 August LD: July - August LD: July 19 -- August 22 2 UTNIF UTNIF UTNIF Dept. of Communication Studies Dept. of Communication Studies Dept. of Communication Studies 1 University Station 1 University Station 1 University Station Mail Code A1105 Mail Code A1105 Mail Code A1105 Austin, Texas 78712-1105 Austin, Texas 78712-1105 Austin, Texas 78712-1105

Phone: 512-471-5518 Phone: 512-471-5518 Phone: 512-471-5518 Fax: 512-232-1481 Fax: 512-232-1481 Fax: 512-232-1481

From the Editor

Board of Directors

This time of year is an opportunity to give thanks for what we have and to reflect on how we might use our skills and resources to best serve others. I want to thank each of you for your membership and for supporting speech and debate activities across the globe.

ELECTED MEMBERS

This issue focuses on diversity and inclusion. On page 28, we share our inclusion commitments for the school year, inspired by feedback from the 2018 NSDA Coaches’ Caucuses and community feedback. I encourage you to read the full list and check out our new Diversity and Inclusion web page with more helpful resources. Plus, on page 30, you can read more about gender identity, terminology, and pronouns in a piece from Nate Monson, Executive Director of Iowa Safe Schools. I’m grateful for your support as we strive to make our community a diverse, welcoming, and safe space for all. We share stories from an array of coaches, alumni, and teams in this issue. On page 42, you can learn more about Jordyn Zimmerman (‘16), one of the first students to compete at the National Tournament using assistive technology. As a non-speaking student with autism, Jordyn uses the lessons she learned in speech and debate as she speaks at education conferences across the country. Our team profile in this issue features the G. W. Carver Magnet High team. On page 46, junior Folasade Orsoro explains how coach Anthony Cobb encourages team members to defy stereotypes and control their own destinies. I’m also excited to share more about the third annual NSDA National Conference! The 2019 conference, to be held August 4-6 in Colorado Springs, will bring together speech and debate coaches and educators from across the country for three days of discussion, training, and growth. On page 27, we introduce you to two of our keynote speakers, Ryan Haygood and April Holmes. I hope you’ll join us in Colorado! Sincerely,

Pam Cady Wycoff President Minnesota Dr. Tommie Lindsey, Jr. Vice President California Byron R. Arthur Louisiana David Huston Texas Adam J. Jacobi Wisconsin Jennifer M. Jerome Nebraska Renee C. Motter Colorado Timothy E. Sheaff Iowa

J. Scott Wunn Executive Director P.S. I’m excited to announce that the Resource Package is now available for both individuals and teams! Check out exclusive benefits by turning to page 17.

APPOINTED MEMBERS

Rostrum

A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL SPEECH & DEBATE ASSOCIATION

401 Railroad Place, West Des Moines, IA 50265-4730 | Phone (920) 748-6206 J. Scott Wunn, Editor and Publisher Vicki Pape, Managing Editor Amy Seidelman, Content Editor Emily Bratton, Graphic Design Assistant Emily Kriegel, Advertising Coordinator

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Rostrum (ISSN 1073-5526), Copyright © 2018 by the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA), is published five times per year (Sept., Nov., Feb., Apr., and Aug.) by the NSDA, 401 Railroad Pl., West Des Moines, IA 50265-4730. Business and Editorial Offices: NSDA, 401 Railroad Pl., West Des Moines, IA, 50265-4730. Accounting and Circulation Offices: NSDA, 401 Railroad Pl., West Des Moines, IA 50265-4730. Call (920) 748-6206 to subscribe. Periodicals postage is paid at Des Moines, IA 50318, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Rostrum, c/o NSDA, 401 Railroad Pl., West Des Moines, IA 50265-4730. Rostrum provides a forum for the speech and debate community. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and not necessarily the opinions of the NSDA, its officers, or its members. The National Speech & Debate Association does not guarantee advertised products and services unless sold directly by the NSDA.

ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

Robert Runcie Admin Rep Florida Tom Rollins Virginia Monica Silverstein New York

To learn more about the Board, visit www.speechanddebate.org/ meet-the-team. You may also contact the Board by emailing board@speechanddebate.org.

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In this Issue : VOLUME 93 : ISSUE 2 : NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

From the Cover

Inside

From the Editor

2018-2019 Topics

Advocacy Letter: Jason Kline

News + Notes

2018-2019 School Year Individual Donors

Attend the 2019 National Speech & Debate Conference

Governance and Leadership 8

From Your President

Board of Directors Fall Minutes

Community 13

National Speech and Debate Education Day: Sign Up Your Team to Participate!

The Future of District Qualification: Aligning the Competition with Our Mission

Alumni Angles: Jordyn Zimmerman

Public Forum After 15 Years: An Evaluation

Big Questions Heats Up In Year 3

Coach Profile: K. M. DiColandrea

Inclusion Commitments for 2018-2019

Gender Identity: What Are We Talking About?

Team Profile: G. W. Carver Magnet High

Poised for a Successful Career through Speech and Debate

Diamond Coach Recognition

Words from the Hall by Jacquelyn Young

USA Debate: Introducing the 2018-2019 National Team Members

by Nate Monson

Recognition

by Rachel Boroditsky and Daniel Tartakovsky

Like us on Facebook /speechanddebate Share with us on Instagram @speechanddebate Follow us on Twitter @speechanddebate

OUR MISSION Rostrum shares best practices, resources, and opportunities that connect, support, and inspire a diverse community of educators committed to empowering students through competitive speech and debate.

ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

The American Legion’s National Oratorical Contest

LOOKING FOR COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS?  LOOK NO FURTHER. As part of the National Speech & Debate Association’s ongoing alliance with The American Legion, the top three finishers from The American Legion’s National Oratorical Contest may earn the right to compete in Original Oratory or United States Extemp at the National Speech & Debate Tournament! The first-place finisher is awarded an $18,000 scholarship, second-place $16,000, and third-place $14,000. The scholarships may be used at any college or university in the United States.



Want to get involved? Follow these simple steps! • Visit www.legion.org/oratorical to learn more. • Click “Request Information” or contact your state’s American Legion Department to learn when the first contest will be. • Also click on “Assigned Topics” to learn the extemporaneous topic areas.

Carlissa Frederich of Kentucky placed first at the 2018 American Legion National Oratorical Contest

• Prepare your original oration on some aspect of the Constitution with emphasis on the duties and obligations of a citizen to our government.

Watch examples of past winning orations online at www.legion.org/oratorical/videos.

2018–2019

Topics

Current topics, voting links, and resources available at:

www.speechanddebate.org/topics Member students and one chapter advisor per school are eligible to vote!

Topic Release Information Public Forum Topic Release Dates The PF Wording Committee chooses a number of debate topic areas at its summer meeting to be used throughout the school year. NEW IN 2018-2019: Approximately six weeks before the topic release date, the NSDA will release the topic area. For two weeks, the community can submit a resolution through the NSDA website, together with an explanation and research links/citations demonstrating a robust debatable issue. For the next three weeks, the PF Wording Committee, using community input, will discuss, narrow, and produce two resolutions for that topic. The NSDA will release the resolutions on the 23rd, or one week before the topic release date, so that the community will have an opportunity to vote. The NSDA will release the resolution on the 1st of the month preceding the date for debates on that topic.

October 1 December 1 January 1 February 1 March 1 May 1 June 22 June 22 Aug. 1 - Aug. 7 August 8

November/December PF Topic January PF Topic February PF Topic March PF Topic April PF Topic National Tournament PF Topic List of Potential PF Topic Areas Announced for 2019-2020 2019 September/October PF Ballot Announced Voting for the 2019 September/October PF Topic Occurs 2019 September/October PF Topic Announced

Lincoln-Douglas Topic Release Dates From August 1 through September 11, chapter advisors and member students may vote online for a new slate of LD topics chosen by the LD Wording Committee at its summer meeting. The September/October LD topic (voted on the previous fall) is announced August 8.

October 1 December 1 February 1 May 1 June 22 Aug. 1 - Sept. 11 August 8

November/December LD Topic January/February LD Topic March/April LD Topic National Tournament LD Topic List of Potential LD Topics Announced for 2019-2020 Voting for the 2019-2020 LD Topics Occurs 2019 September/October LD Topic Announced

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

Public Forum Debate

Resolved: The United States federal government should impose price controls on the pharmaceutical industry.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Resolved: In a democracy, the public’s right to know ought to be valued above the right to privacy of candidates for public office. The NSDA also offers a “Civil Disobedience” resolution that may be used during the first two months of a novice season. Coaches are encouraged to check with tournament hosts in their area before exclusively prepping for one topic over another.

2018–2019

Policy Debate

Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially reduce its restrictions on legal immigration to the United States.

2019–2020 Policy Debate Topic Voting The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) handles selection of the annual Policy Debate topic where each state organization, the National Speech & Debate Association, the National Catholic Forensic League, and the National Debate Coaches Association all have voting privileges.

• • • •

Topic synopsis printed in September/October Rostrum Preliminary voting occurs online in September-October Final voting occurs online in November-December Topic for 2019-2020 released by the NFHS in January 2019

ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

2018–2019

Big Questions Debate

Resolved: Humans are primarily driven by self-interest.

Dear Administrator, It would be unfair for me to start off my letter of support for speech and debate without including that I was a speech and debate competitor in both high school and college and coached high school speech and debate for eight years before I moved in to administration. I am still connected to the activity as a two-diamond coach, supporting the team I started when I became principal of John F. Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I also spend part of my summer providing instruction at the Institute for Speech and Debate. Needless to say, I am committed to the activity. Why did I get so deeply involved in speech and debate? Well, for starters, it is just plain fun. As a competitor, my best high school memories revolved around competitions, my team, and the experience. No different than any athlete who loves his sport, I loved giving speeches. But what I have come to realize as a coach and now as an educational leader is that this activity is not just for fun, it is an absolute game-changer for any student who engages in it. When you think of the future-ready skills we want to develop in middle and high school students, four come to mind: critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. In fact, employers today say that those four things are among the important skills they need in employees tomorrow. I would argue that beyond a vocational need, our republic desperately depends on citizens possessing those four skills. A vibrant democracy cannot thrive when citizens do not possess the ability to analyze problems, discuss and debate them civilly, and work together to create solutions. On an even deeper dive, I believe you could make a strong argument that you need those skills for successful human/ familial relationships as well. And that is why I believe every child should be exposed to and/or participate in speech and debate. There is no activity—athletic, artistic, or academic—that develops students in those areas more completely than speech and debate. Watching students compete on weekends as they discuss important issues with an understanding as nuanced as a policy expert, or recreate a dramatic scene from a play, capturing the emotions of multiple characters all by themselves, or draft and debate legislation addressing our country’s most pressing issues, is awe-inspiring. You see kids who want to learn because they have found a place where learning is truly challenging, authentic, and well, fun. My personal mission is to continue building up speech and debate programs wherever I find myself. My professional mission is to find ways to infuse it into as many students’ lives as possible. I hope you will join me in making speech and debate an offering for your students and support its expansion into schools nearby. You will see the impact immediately. Sincerely,

Jason Kline Jason Kline Principal John F. Kennedy High School, Iowa

Find this and other letters of advocacy on our website:

www.speechanddebate.org/resources ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 7

GOVERNANCE

From Your President As President, I welcome this opportunity to begin a dialogue with you. It may seem odd to think of reading this statement as an interactive process, but that is the intent. It is meant to be one of many ways that we can begin a critically important conversation—that takes these words and ideas off the printed page and puts them into action. At its core, the National Speech & Debate Association is a membership organization. We are a diverse membership with diverse needs, experiences, and concerns. By virtue of your membership, you have the right to be heard. In turn, your Board has the responsibility to listen to your ideas, feedback, and constructive criticism. For these reasons, membership engagement and transparency must be at the center of “how we do business” as an organization. Given the dialogue and actions taken at our Fall Board meeting, I can tell you with great confidence that we are committed to these two priorities. In theory, that sounds great—but how can you enter into the conversation? What has been put in place to make this dialogue possible? For the first time, the Fall Board Meeting Agenda was published in advance. This will now be the practice for each of

our four quarterly meetings. This transparency allows you to better understand what occurs at meetings and offers you the opportunity to weigh in on issues prior to a vote. If you want to contact the full Board regarding your ideas or feedback, a new email address (board@ speechanddebate.org) has been created for this purpose. Certainly, all members have the right to contact individual Board members about their views; however, this avenue gives expanded access to members and insures all Board members hear the views submitted. Wondering what was decided at the meeting? We have changed the process traditionally used to approve the minutes, so that you can learn the results of our business meetings more quickly. Have an idea regarding competition and rules? Use the newly created Rules Submission Form. The Rules Revision and Evaluation (RRE) Committee, a standing committee of the Board, will process and review these ideas for potential action. Wondering why major rule changes occur and how you can influence these decisions? A timeline for major rule changes has been established. It consists of three phases—the Assessment and Development Phase (year one); the Collaborative Feedback

ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

and Decision Making Phase (year two); and the Trial/ Implementation Phase (year three). The Board is particularly excited to introduce this new standardized procedure (see minutes starting on page 9 for full details). We believe that these steps judiciously allow the time needed to examine changes while fostering heightened awareness, interaction, and engagement during the process. Additionally, since 2006, one of the most significant ways to solicit views and capitalize on the expertise of our membership has been through the formation of coach-driven Ad Hoc Committees. These committees have not only been used for key rule changes but also for significant governance issues such as Inclusion. This has been one of the most vital and productive means we have created for coaches to influence decisions. However, it is impossible for everyone to be on a committee. How can noncommittee members be a part of the discussion? Utilize the CONNECT platform to share your views. Various topics will be set up for discussion on the site. These views will then be compiled and shared with the Ad Hoc Committee dedicated to the project, as well as the Board. We tell our students their voice matters! Yours does, too!

Last, do you want to be “in the know?” More than once, I’ve heard my husband Joe say, “There are three groups of people— those who watch things happen, those who make things happen, and those who say, ‘What just happened?’” Each time I hear it, I still laugh, but it also makes me think. In terms of membership, this implies that each individual needs to be actively engaged. As an organization, this also implies that members need access to information in order to be informed and become a vibrant part of the process. As a Board, we want to minimize “surprises.” This year, through Rostrum magazine, the District Leadership Brief, and the Weekly Coach Newsletter, you will have an even greater opportunity to learn about the issues we are addressing. In this issue, I encourage you to read the articles about our inclusion commitments (page 28), proposed Public Forum Debate recommendations (page 18), and piloted district qualification procedures (page 14) to learn more about the steps we are taking to achieve our mission and vision. Dive in. Let us know what you think. We look forward to the conversation. To be continued!

Pam Cady Wycoff NSDA Board President pam.wycoff@speechanddebate.org

GOVERNANCE

Leadership Board of Directors Fall Minutes

September 21-23, 2018 West Des Moines, Iowa

he NSDA Board of Directors held its Fall Meeting September 21-23, 2018, in West Des Moines, Iowa. In attendance were President Pam Cady Wycoff, Byron Arthur, Dave Huston, Adam J. Jacobi, Jennifer Jerome, Renee Motter, Tom Rollins, and Tim Sheaff. Vice President Dr. Tommie Lindsey, Jr., Robert Runcie, and Monica Silverstein were not in attendance.

sheets, and cash flow assessment from the previous year. They then presented the proposed budget for fiscal year 2019 with managerial notes. The Board reviewed the budget and asked questions regarding appropriations of funding.

President Wycoff called the meeting to order.

Moved by Sheaff, seconded by Jerome: “Explore and confirm the legal ownership of Tabroom.com.” Passed: 8-0 (Wycoff, Arthur, Huston, Jacobi, Jerome, Motter, Rollins, Sheaff)

PAST MINUTES Moved by Rollins, seconded by Jacobi: “Approve the minutes from the Spring Board Meeting.” Passed: 8-0 (Wycoff, Arthur, Huston, Jacobi, Jerome, Motter, Rollins, Sheaff)

FINANCIAL REPORT AND BUDGET Moved by Rollins, seconded by Arthur: “Approve the FY17 audit as recommended by the Finance Committee.” Passed: 8-0 (Wycoff, Arthur, Huston, Jacobi, Jerome, Motter, Rollins, Sheaff) Annually, the Board is responsible for approving the prior year’s audit and any recommendations provided. The audit is first reviewed by the Finance Committee and then brought forth to the whole Board for approval. Moved by Jacobi, seconded by Rollins: “Approve the FY19 budget as recommended by the Finance Committee.” Passed: 8-0 (Wycoff, Arthur, Huston, Jacobi, Jerome, Motter, Rollins, Sheaff) Executive Director Scott Wunn and Director of Finance Laura Stein presented a thorough assessment of the organization’s profit and loss statements, balance

TECH SUPPORT

After considering a timeline presented by the Finance Committee on the future development of Tabroom.com, the Board asked the Executive Director and the Finance Committee to first secure a legal determination on the ownership rights of the source code of Tabroom.com. Doing so will allow the organization to proceed with development of Tabroom.com for the NSDA community. Additionally, the Board received an update from Director of Technology Aaron Hardy. Aaron presented an overview of the past two years of developments and a vision for the future of our web-based solutions. A question and answer session was conducted about these developments.

GOVERNANCE Moved by Huston, seconded by Rollins: “Adjourn into executive session for purposes of Executive Director review.” Passed: 8-0 (Wycoff, Arthur, Huston, Jacobi, Jerome, Motter, Rollins, Sheaff) Moved by Jacobi, seconded by Arthur: “Approve the 2018 Executive Director Evaluation Review to be presented to the E.D. by the Governance Committee and the goals for the FY19-20 Evaluation.”

ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 9

Passed: 8-0 (Wycoff, Arthur, Huston, Jacobi, Jerome, Motter, Rollins, Sheaff) Annually, the Board of Directors is responsible for executing a performance review of the Executive Director (E.D.). This review process results in an assessment of the execution of the previous year’s strategic plan goals and objectives as well as the execution of non-profit administration best practices by the E.D. In turn, the next year’s goals and objectives are established at this time. Moved by Jacobi, seconded by Rollins: “Adjourn into executive session for purposes of Board selfassessment review.” Passed: 8-0 (Wycoff, Arthur, Huston, Jacobi, Jerome, Motter, Rollins, Sheaff) Moved by Jacobi, seconded by Rollins: “Approve the newly revised Board of Directors Best Practices Handbook as recommended by the Governance Committee.” Passed: 8-0 (Wycoff, Arthur, Huston, Jacobi, Jerome, Motter, Rollins, Sheaff) Annually, the Board of Directors performs a review of the execution of its roles and responsibilities. This process results in an assessment of the Board’s proficiency at non-profit board best practices. Recommendations for improvement and goal setting priorities for the next year are established. This also includes approval of revisions to the NSDA Board of Directors Best Practices Handbook. Moved by Jerome, seconded by Motter: “Adjourn into general session.” Passed: 8-0 (Wycoff, Arthur, Huston, Jacobi, Jerome, Motter, Rollins, Sheaff)

STRATEGIC UPDATE AND OVERVIEW Assistant Executive Director and Director of Operations Amy Seidelman provided an update for the Board on the early progress and implementation of the tactics for the 2018-2019 portion (year one) of the five-year strategic plan. The new strategic plan was developed by the Board in 20172018. The Board also participated in a question and answer session with Amy and Executive Director Scott Wunn to provide clarity and insight.

COMPETITION RULES Moved by Motter, seconded by Huston: “Accept the proposal from the Lincoln-Douglas Topic Wording Committee as recommended by the Rules Revision and Evaluation Committee.” Passed: 7-0 (Wycoff, Arthur, Huston, Jacobi, Jerome, Motter, Sheaff)

ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

The Board approved a recommendation from the Rules Revision and Evaluation (RRE) Committee to accept the proposal from the LD Wording Committee to select the September/October Lincoln-Douglas topic through the general balloting system held in August each year. This will replace the current system of using the last place resolution from the previous year’s vote. This change in practice better aligns with the quick turnaround provided by electronic balloting and frees up topic areas for consideration by the LD Wording Committee. Moved by Jacobi, seconded by Motter: “Approve the competition rules revision and evaluation process timeline created by the elected Board members.” Passed: 7-0 (Wycoff, Arthur, Huston, Jacobi, Jerome, Motter, Sheaff) The elected Board members created a three-year process for major competition and rules changes. This procedure provides extended time for research, solicitation of feedback, and evaluation. In year one, the Assessment and Development Phase, the Rules Revision and Evaluation (RRE) Committee of the Board will assess proposals presented via the Rule Submission Form. Those warranting further development will undergo research for the creation of a draft proposal. This may include committee work (focus group, ad hoc committee, or working committee) for the creation of a draft proposal. Piloting may also be used, if appropriate. In year two, the Collaborative Feedback and Decision Making Phase, the RRE Committee will give opportunities for the overall membership community to provide feedback on the proposed change. NSDA publications will be utilized to foster awareness of the proposal. This phase may involve ongoing community feedback, revisions, and piloting, as needed. By the end of year two, a decision will be made to either implement a change, further revise the proposal, continue testing and piloting, or not make the change at that time. In year three, the Trial/Implementation Phase, if a new rule is passed, it will be implemented during this time. Moved by Sheaff, seconded by Jerome: “Apply the competition rules revision and evaluation process timeline to the Public Forum Ad Hoc Committee’s recommendations.” Passed: 7-0 (Wycoff, Arthur, Huston, Jacobi, Jerome, Motter, Sheaff) The Board voted to apply the new three-year rule decision making process to the proposed Public Forum Debate changes. Recommendations were received from an ad hoc committee in year one, and we are now in year two where the proposals are open to membership’s feedback and revision. The Board will vote in spring 2019 to implement, pilot, or decline recommendations for the 2019-2020 year.

Moved by Jerome, seconded by Arthur: “Approve the district tournament qualification pilot proposed by the Executive Director and amended by the Board.” Passed: 6-1 Aye: Wycoff, Arthur, Huston, Jacobi, Jerome, Motter No: Sheaff

Moved by Jerome, seconded by Huston: “Apply the competition rules and revision evaluation process timeline to the previously proposed internet usage recommendations in debate, congress, and extemporaneous speaking events.” Passed: 7-0 (Wycoff, Arthur, Huston, Jacobi, Jerome, Motter, Sheaff)

In the 2018-2019 season, districts may opt-in to pilot a new national qualification procedure in speech, debate, and/or congress. This new method eliminates the up/down method and other procedures, in favor of a method more closely aligned with most standard invitational tournaments. For more information, please view the pilot manual online at www.speechanddebate.org/pilot-district-qualificationmanual. Throughout the spring, the piloting will be assessed and reviewed by the RRE Committee and staff. In the spring of 2019, the RRE Committee will recommend the next steps for year two consideration of this change.

Moved by Huston, seconded by Jerome: “Allow for the piloting of the internet usage rules committee proposals in debate, congress, and extemporaneous speaking events during the 2018-2019 competition year.” Passed: 7-0 (Wycoff, Arthur, Huston, Jacobi, Jerome, Motter, Sheaff)

Moved by Arthur, seconded by Sheaff: “Develop a working group to prepare necessary pragmatic and logistical changes to run the Congressional House at the National Tournament due to the increase in the number of qualifiers.” Passed: 7-0 (Wycoff, Arthur, Huston, Jacobi, Jerome, Motter, Sheaff) In May, the Board voted to expand the number of National Tournament qualifiers in the House beginning in the 20182019 school year. To accommodate this change at Nationals, a working group will be created to provide feedback to the National Tournament Director about adding a quarterfinal round in the House, advancement procedures, and scheduling. Moved by Huston, seconded by Arthur: “Rescind the motion to approve the use of internet in debate events.” Passed: 7-0 (Wycoff, Arthur, Huston, Jacobi, Jerome, Motter, Sheaff) Moved by Huston, seconded by Motter: “Rescind the motion to approve the use of internet in congress events.” Passed: 7-0 (Wycoff, Arthur, Huston, Jacobi, Jerome, Motter, Sheaff) Moved by Jerome, seconded by Jacobi: “Rescind the motion to approve the use of internet in extemporaneous speaking events.” Passed: 7-0 (Wycoff, Arthur, Huston, Jacobi, Jerome, Motter, Sheaff)

At the Spring 2018 Board Meeting, rules were passed allowing for the use of internet in PF, LD, CX, Congress, and Extemporaneous Speaking. After adopting the threeyear timeline for major rules changes (mentioned above), the Board voted to rescind the previously passed rules and apply the timeline to this proposed rule change. As part of the year one Assessment and Development Phase, districts will be able to pilot the internet rules at their 2018-2019 district tournaments. The Rules Revision and Evaluation (RRE) Committee of the Board will evaluate feedback from pilot districts and solicit additional feedback from the membership community. At the end of year one, the Board will determine if additional piloting is warranted for continued consideration of the rule change. Moved by Jacobi, seconded by Jerome: “Charge the Governance Committee with creation of protocol for electronic approval of Board meeting minutes.” Passed: 7-0 (Wycoff, Arthur, Huston, Jacobi, Jerome, Motter, Sheaff)

CORRESPONDENCE In response to correspondence submitted to the Board by the membership, suggestions and recommendations were discussed and reviewed for action. Moved by Huston, seconded by Jerome: “Adjourn.” Passed: 7-0 (Wycoff, Arthur, Huston, Jacobi, Jerome, Motter, Sheaff)

QUESTIONS? CONCERNS? IDEAS? We want to hear from you! Send your feedback to board@speechanddebate.org

ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 11

COMMUNITY

NEWS + NOTES Changes to High School Coach and Administrator Awards Each year, the National Speech & Debate Association recognizes coaches who best reflect outstanding leadership and commitment to speech and debate activities. In 2018-2019, the NSDA will begin recognizing high school assistant coaches and new coaches in a similar way. For the purposes of this award, a new coach is any member coach in their first year of NSDA coaching (a merit date of August 1, 2018, or later). An assistant coach is a member coach who is not designated as an advisor of a team but is receiving NSDA coaching points. Additionally, each year we honor a high school administrator who provides high-quality opportunities for students in speech and debate programming. Unlike years past, the nomination process for these four awards will begin at the district level, much like the District Student of the Year award process. Individuals may nominate a deserving high school administrator, coach, assistant coach, and/or new coach and submit the online forms to their district chair. Once the District Committee has chosen a winner in each category, the chair will report the winners to the national office using separate online submission forms. To learn more, visit us online at www.speechanddebate.org/coach-recognition and www.speechanddebate.org/school-recognition.

Member Schools Receive Free Access to Foreign Affairs Magazine Thanks to our partners at the Council on Foreign Relations, NSDA member schools are now eligible to claim three months of free site license access from Foreign Affairs magazine. A site license to Foreign Affairs unlocks almost a century of expert writing on foreign policy that is unavailable anywhere else—just ask your school’s librarian or administrator to complete the form on www.foreignaffairs.com/ sitelicense and mention “NSDA” in the message to redeem this offer. Subscriptions will begin within two weeks of receipt of the request.

Individual Resource Package Now Available for Purchase

Broward County Public Schools Host Successful After-School Tournaments

Our Individual Resource Package is a great tool for students and parents to access the advanced resources the National Speech & Debate Association offers. Individuals can sign up to gain access to webinars, National Tournament final round videos, up-to-date topic analyses, and much more at member and non-member pricing levels. To get started, visit www.speechanddebate.org/rp or turn to page 17 to view our flyer for more details.

On October 3, Broward County Public Schools hosted an Elementary AfterSchool Tournament (EAST) in conjuction with their Middle After-School Tournament (MAST). That evening, according to Curriculum Supervisor Megan West, more than 1,000 students from 50 schools completed two rounds just over a month into the school year. She went on to explain that several students who are deaf or hard of hearing competed with their own interpreter in a Congress chamber. Tournaments like these would not be possible without the countless coaches, parents, administrators, coaching mentors, and other volunteers who support Broward Debate.

NFHS Offers Discounted Insurance to NSDA Members The NFHS and the NSDA partner to offer liability coverage that can be bundled with NSDA membership dues. From the coach roster of your Account page, anyone who

has not purchased NFHS insurance through the NSDA will see a “Buy” link in the NFHS column. New school advisors receive NFHS insurance free in their first year as an NSDA member coach. Benefits include personal and advertising injury, damage to premises rented to you, premises medical payments, participant legal liability, crisis response, various accidental medical, and more. As one Pennsylvania coach stated, “The $14 insurance is wonderful. Since it is sanctioned by the NSDA, my school will pay it. I was personally buying it on my own. THANK YOU!”

ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

N AT I ON A L

SPEECH AND DEBATE EDUCATION DAY

CELEBRATING EDUCATORS. INSPIRING STUDENTS. TRANSFORMING TOMORROW.

MARCH 1, 2019

From building confidence and improving commun debate has impacte ication and research d us in various skills to improvin ways. A simple your teammates, g grades and making way to promote friends, administ National Speech rators, anyone and Debate Educatio lifelong friends – speech and who will listen... WHY you love n day is sharing this activity. your story. Tell us,

IT’S EAS Y!

Here’s what you

1 SHARE how speech on social media

can do on National

and debate has impacted your life (use your persona l and/or team page).

2 USE: #Speec handDe

Speech and Debate

Education Day

— March 1, 2019:

3 TAG US: @spee chanddebate 4 BONUS: You could be featured

bateDay

marketing material

prings, M

lue S

s– lliam lin D r Wi anaher (left) and Taylo

“I love speech and debate because it gives me a place where I have a family. It gives me opportu nities that I wouldn’ t have had without the way the program has shaped me.” – Emily Dennery

er Int

“I love speech and debate because it taught me to speak up about what matters, while retaining that eloquence and confidence even when there isn’t the heat of competition.” – Caitlin Marsch

in national

KATELIN: “Speec h and debate has provided me endless opportunitie s. From compe ting at Nationals traveling across to the country and meeting amazi talented individ ngly uals – it’s been so great for me.”

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TAYLOR: “Speec h and debate saved my life. I used to be a shy kid and now I will talk to anyone. It made a completely new me person.”

ers

to marketing materials, posters, press release templates, letters to administrators, and more, there are many ways you can make March 1 a special day at your school and in your community. Here at the NSDA, we’re organizing support for the day by helping schools like you organize your celebrations, spreading the word across the country, and working to pass a national resolution declaring March 1, 2019, as National Speech and Debate Education Day. Whether you want to hold a schoolwide student showcase or throw a small classroom party, there is one thing all of us can do: post on social media about why you love speech and debate. How has this activity impacted

pa r tn

How you want to celebrate the day is up to you! No matter how you choose to take part, our resources will help. Using these materials is a great way to honor your students and their dedication to speech and debate—but also to promote our activity and the vast skill set it provides to students. Sign up to have your team participate in the day by visiting our website and completing a brief form. Don’t worry, someone else can take the lead! Whether led by a parent, student, or yourself, our Team Toolkit will make planning your celebration easy and take some of the work off you as a coach. We’ll start sending the free toolkit to teams that have signed up to participate in early January. From classroom activities

ircle March 1, 2019, on your calendar, because it’s National Speech and Debate Education Day! While that may seem far away, it’ll sneak up on us before we know it—so we’re organizing everything you need to honor the day early! National Speech and Debate Education Day is our chance to celebrate and promote speech and debate educators, inspire students, and transform the classrooms of tomorrow. The NSDA is proud to help schools around the country recognize this day by offering a toolkit that includes information and promotional materials. Our 2019 Team Toolkit includes free resources to promote March 1 throughout the year. By signing up to participate, you’ll receive posters, stickers, buttons, flyers, and advice on how you can promote your team.

“I love speech and debate because it gives me an opportunity to meet new friends, learn more about myself, and get more involved in my community.”

“I love speech and debate because it gives me the opportunity to express myself in a way no other extracur ricular activity does.”

– Juliet Geffre

– Ragina Macias

NATIONAL SPEECH & DEBATE ASSOCIATION

NATIONA L

SPEECH AND DEBATE

EDUCATIO N

DAY

National Speech and Debate Educatio 2019 Team Toolkit n Day March 1, 2019 | www.Spe echandDe bateDay.o rg

your life? What differences has it made? Share your story and be sure to use the hashtag #WeAreSpeechAndDebate. Don’t forget to sign up for your free National Speech and Debate Education Day toolkit at www.SpeechAndDebateDay.org! We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Grace Rogers serves as Marketing Communications Specialist for the NSDA.

www.SpeechAndDebateDay.org ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 13

COMPETITION EVENTS

The Future of District Qualification: Aligning the Competition with Our Mission For complete rules, visit www.speechanddebate.org/pilot-district-qualification-manual.

he National Speech

understand, and make district

debate events will eliminate

& Debate Association

tournament participation a

the up/down method. The

is committed to

more worthwhile experience.

pilot methods will mirror

be used in prelims. • Rounds 1-2 will be

a standard tournament

preset, and the rest will

core values while ensuring

to ensure this new

structure. We believe that

be powermatched.

that the mission and vision

method embraces the

standardizing practices will

of the organization are met.

use of technology while

make procedures for district

can choose whether all

The district tournament

understanding its limits to

tournament qualification

winning records or any

series is a core program of

achieve the goal of increasing

substantially easier to

entries with one or zero

the organization that ought

efficiency, accuracy, and

understand and implement.

losses will advance to

to provide an educational

overall transparency of the

By modeling the rules, pairing

elimination rounds.

opportunity for member

process of qualification.

methods, and tiebreakers

aligning its programs with its

students that aligns with the mission, vision, and core

We are also working

Goals

values of the organization

off tested practices, we can make our qualification

• The District Committee

• Elims use three or more judges. • Advancing entries will be

process more in line with

placed in a single elimination

while serving as a fair and

In building the pilot

community consensus, lower

bracket. The tournament

impartial qualifier to the

qualification methods for

the barrier to entry for

continues until the number

NSDA National Tournament.

speech, debate, and Congress,

new coaches, and increase

of entries active is equal

we have three goals:

the transparency and

to or lower than the

1) The new system

accuracy of our process.

We have heard from our members that the current

number of qualifiers. • Entries in all powermatched

up/down system, along with

dramatically eliminates

its myriad options, caveats,

most of the above

support of your district’s

and elim rounds will

and stipulations within the

concerns while limiting the

tournament, coaches, and

be seeded using the

creation of new issues.

students! We are excited to

SOP method:

work with you to determine

• SOP (Seed + Opponent

procedural manual in both speech and debate, creates

• One or three judges may

2) The benefits of

Thank you for your

larger barriers to local

the changes should

how to best align our

Seed) scores are calculated

participation and other key

outweigh any of the

competition rules with

by adding the seeding of

goals of the organization.

new potential harms.

our mission and vision.

the entry together with

In response to this

3) A new plan should excite

feedback, the NSDA will

the membership as it

pilot an alternative concept

accomplishes the task

for qualification. We hope

of eliminating these

this new method will make

outlined barriers, and

Highlights of the debate

the difficulty of the

tournament participation

consequentially, positively

pilot include the following:

brackets over the course

more accessible, make

impacts our mission goals.

• A minimum of four prelims

of the tournament.

Debate Pilot (PF, LD, CX)

seed up to that point in the tournament. • The goal is evening out

tournament rules and

The pilot qualification

must be held, or three if

procedures easier to

methods for all speech and

there are four entries.

ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

their average opponent

• View the full rules online. (See “Next Steps” for URL.)

Speech Pilot Highlights of the speech pilot include the following: • A minimum of three prelims must be held. • One, two, or three judges may be used in prelims. • Prelims will be preset with varied speaker order. • Judges rank each entry 1-7; no ranks are adjusted. • Events with more than eight entries must advance to elims. • 25 percent of an event’s entry total rounded up to the nearest whole number, or a minimum of four entries, advance to elimination rounds. • Seeds going into elims are determined by rank total, dropping the highest rank if each entry has four or more scores. • Elims are snaked, and speaking order is determined based on previous speaker positions. • Placement after each elim, including finals, will be determined by: • Adding total ranks in all prelim rounds, dropping worst prelim rank. • Adding total of elim ranks multiplied by two. • View the full rules online. (See “Next Steps” for URL.)

Congress Pilot In Congressional Debate, there are currently more than 30 variations in which a district can follow the manual and

determine a qualifier. This number will be reduced in the pilot to standardize the Congress qualification process while maintaining the ability of districts to make the best choices for their district. Highlights of the Congress pilot include the following: • A minimum of two rounds must be held. • One of those rounds must be a final round if the House has multiple chambers. • Each round should be scheduled to allot a minimum of 10 minutes per student in a chamber—e.g., a 20-student chamber should be at least 200 minutes long. • Approved software will randomly distribute students from the same school among chambers. • Scoring will be done the same as the previous district tournament method, with students with the lowest cumulative rank total advancing to the next levels of competition. • Districts may choose to allow student cumulative rank totals to determine national qualifiers. • View the full rules online. (See “Next Steps” for URL.)

Next Steps You can find the full rules online at www.speechanddebate.org/ pilot-district-qualificationmanual. In year one of this consideration, districts will opt in to run the pilot debate method, pilot speech method,

and/or pilot Congress method. Districts may choose to run one, two, three, or none of these pilot methods. District chairs must opt in by November 30 if your district series begins in 2019. If your series begins in 2018 and you did not select the pilot option on Tabroom.com, call the national office as soon as possible at (920) 748-6206 to update your selection.

MISSION The National Speech & Debate Association connects, supports, and inspires a diverse community committed to empowering students through competitive speech and debate.

The end of year one and year two will involve a complete assessment of the piloting, a call for feedback from the community, and the potential for additional expansion of piloting. At the end of year two, the Board will determine the extent to which a version of the new qualification system would or would not be implemented. This is one of many changes and additions the NSDA is considering to continue to make our activity accessible to all.

VISION

More Information For complete rules, view the Pilot District Qualification Manual on our website at www.speechanddebate.org/ pilot-district-qualificationmanual

Questions/Feedback?

We envision a world in which every student has access to membership in the National Speech & Debate Association, providing the educational resources, competitive opportunities, and expertise necessary to foster their communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creative skills. To learn more, visit www.speechanddebate.org or call (920) 748-6206.

Contact Lauren Burdt, Big Questions Manager, at lauren.burdt@ speechanddebate.org.

ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 15

THE

1925 SOCIET Y The National Speech & Debate Association is grateful to acknowledge the following 1925 Society members for pledging a generous planned gift contribution. Byron Arthur

Albert Odom, Jr.

Phyllis Flory Barton

J. W. Patterson

James Copeland

Capt. Joseph L. and Jan Pizzo

Don and Ann Crabtree

Dr. Polly and Bruce Reikowski

Dr. Mike Edmonds

Donus and Lovila Roberts

A. C. Eley

James Rye, III

Vickie and Joe Fellers

Steve and Anna Schappaugh

David and Judy Huston

David Seikel

Jennifer Jerome

Sandra Silvers

Harold Keller Kandi King Cherian and Betsy Koshy

Richard Sodikow William Woods Tate, Jr.

Dr. Tommie Lindsey, Jr.

Nicole and Darrel Wanzer-Serrano

Pam and Ray McComas

Cheryl Watkins

H. B. Mitchell

J. Scott and Megan Wunn

Lanny and B. J. Naegelin

Joe and Pam Wycoff

To join the 1925 Society, or to learn more about making a planned gift to the National Speech & Debate Association, please contact Nicole Wanzer-Serrano at nicole@speechanddebate.org.

AUGUST 4-6, 2019 Colorado Springs, Colorado

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COMPETITION EVENTS

Public Forum After 15 Years:

An Evaluation

uring the 2017-2018 school year, an ad hoc committee of coaches from around the country, initiated by the Rules Revision and Evaluation (RRE) Committee of the Board and approved by the Board President, was charged with reviewing the current rules and procedures for Public Forum Debate and providing a series of recommendations that could be considered by the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadership for further review and/or potential changes. The committee consisted of the following members: Chris McDonald, Ad Hoc Committee Chair (Eagan High School, MN); Dr. Polly Reikowski, Board Liaison (Eagan High School, MN); David Huston, RRE Committee Chair (Colleyville Heritage High School, TX); Annie Reisener, Staff Liaison (National Office, IA); Jan Pizzo (North Valley High School, OR); Byron Arthur (Holy Cross School, LA); Nate Conoly (Vestavia Hills High School, AL); Dr. Darrell Harvey (Eleanor Roosevelt High School, MD); Denise Raeder Johnson (Fargo Davies High School, ND); Jeff Kahn (Strath Haven High School, PA); and Marty Page (Delbarton School, NJ). The work of the committee produced seven

recommendations for consideration. During the course of the summer and early fall, the NSDA sought input from members on the proposed changes. This feedback was provided to the RRE Committee and then presented to the Competition Rules (CR) Committee of elected Board members for discussion at its fall meeting. At the fall meeting, the Board determined the membership should be provided with an update on the current status of each recommendation and be given the opportunity to provide further input before final decisions are made by the Board. This article will examine each of those proposed changes, summarize the general feedback that has been received thus far, outline any decisions that have been made, and provide an overview of the additional steps that will be taken in the decision making process.

RECOMMENDATION #1: Timing of Topics (Implemented as a Trial this Fall) The PF Ad Hoc Committee recommended running a one-year trial of a single topic for November and December. The limited number of debating opportunities in November and December due to holiday breaks and

ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

the end of the semester for many schools were the primary motivations for this recommendation. The RRE Committee recommended a one-year trial of the change at the May Board meeting, which was approved. Thus far, the feedback on this change has been positive. The primary concern of members is that the remaining months of the school year remain as monthly topics and not be combined, which is the current intent of the Board. After running the one-year trial, the RRE Committee will evaluate the feedback received and make a recommendation in May to the CR Committee for consideration.

RECOMMENDATION #2: Elimination of the Coin Flip The PF Ad Hoc Committee recommended that the coin flip be removed, requiring that sides be pre-assigned, that the pro side always speaks first, and that the con side always speaks last. This recommendation was primarily motivated by the strong opinion of a majority of the ad hoc committee that it was in the best pedagogical interest of the activity to require debaters to debate both

sides of every resolution. They felt that there are very unique educational benefits to switch side debating throughout a tournament when requiring students to research, create positions, and defend alternate sides of key issues an equal number of times. During the feedback process, many have echoed these sentiments. In addition, there is a belief that the removal of the coin flip would eliminate substantial judge and tab room errors that result from the current system. The most frequent critical feedback on eliminating the coin flip has been that it provides strategic choices that are unique to Public Forum, and removing it would fundamentally change the nature of the event. As mentioned earlier, some also feel that making the pro side speak first and allowing the con side to always speak last will create side bias for the con because it allows for the con position to be structured off of the pro position and gives the con side the final word. At this time, the RRE Committee is still considering this recommendation and strongly encourages additional feedback from the community.

RECOMMENDATION #3: Re-order Speeches The PF Ad Hoc Committee recommended that a change be made in the order of speeches. This recommendation was primarily motivated based on the impact that removing the coin flip would have on debates. In an attempt to remove any potential for con side bias by always having the opportunity to speak last, the committee proposed a series of speaking blocks for each team. The most frequent reaction during the feedback process has been that creating blocks in Public Forum will bring it closer to other forms of debate, and coaches want to preserve the unique accessibility of Public Forum. Other concerns raised were that the proposed re-ordering of speeches will lead to side bias, reinvent the role of each speaker, and encourage the adoption of more progressive speaking and argument styles into the activity. At this time, this recommendation has received little traction. This has been the least popular recommendation. As the RRE Committee considers whether or not it has merit, community members are encouraged to provide additional feedback.

RECOMMENDATION #4: Elimination of Grand Crossfire The PF Ad Hoc Committee recommended that the Grand Crossfire be eliminated. This recommendation was primarily motivated by the

strong opinion that the Grand Crossfire, as currently executed by debaters in a majority of cases, is not providing enough unique benefits to the debate and often leads to very chaotic and potentially rude exchanges among debaters. The PF Ad Hoc Committee believes that if eliminated, the time saved could be better utilized in providing more prep time to debaters and increasing the summary speech time (see additional recommendations below). Those in favor of retaining the Grand Crossfire have argued that the issues with Grand Crossfire can be solved through better coaching. Some feel that Grand Crossfire offers an important opportunity during the debate to clarify the arguments being presented for the judges. At this time, the Board’s RRE Committee is still considering this recommendation and strongly encourages additional feedback from the community. Specifically, feedback regarding best practices or alternative solutions for Grand Crossfire are welcomed.

RECOMMENDATION #5: Add One Minute to Preparation Time for Each Team The PF Ad Hoc Committee recommended this change on the primary assumption that eliminating the Grand Crossfire would make additional time available that could be used for preparation of arguments. In addition, although the committee

did not feel that additional preparation time would resolve all current issues with evidence exchanges, it did believe that it would be net beneficial. Many of those providing feedback thus far have agreed that the additional time may resolve some, but not all of the evidence exchange issues that are occurring. A few opponents of the change have argued that additional preparation time provides no necessary benefit to the debate. At this time, the RRE Committee is still considering this recommendation and strongly encourages additional feedback from the community.

RECOMMENDATION #6: Add One Minute to Each of the Summary Speeches The PF Ad Hoc Committee recommended this change on the primary assumption that eliminating grand crossfire would make additional time available that could be used to make the summary speeches three minutes long. The committee believed that longer summary speeches would lead to greater depth of argumentation. Many individuals providing feedback thus far have agreed there is potential for greater depth of arguments. However, opponents are concerned that making summary speeches longer will lead to more “line-byline” focused speeches, leaving argument choice and synthesis to happen only in the final focus. In addition, opponents have raised

concerns that speaking times for debaters would no longer be equal. At this time, the RRE Committee is still considering this recommendation and strongly encourages additional feedback from the community.

RECOMMENDATION #7: Eliminate Paraphrasing of Evidence The PF Ad Hoc Committee recommended that a rule be put into place that proactively eliminates the use of paraphrasing. The primary justification for this recommendation was the growing concern that paraphrasing invites the potential for unethical scholarship practices and that the only way to eliminate the abusive potential of paraphrasing is to prohibit it and require that all evidence is directly quoted and tagged. Thus far, this issue has received the most active feedback. On the one hand, most tend to agree that something should be done to combat the growing problem of misrepresentation of evidence in PF and that enforced, standard procedures on evidence exchanges are needed. Those against proactively prohibiting paraphrasing believe it is not the core issue—that requiring all evidence be directly quoted and tagged will not fix the problem of misrepresentation and could be harmful to the event. Additionally, proponents of paraphrasing are concerned that removing it as a means to introduce evidence eliminates a real-world conversational

ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 19

style that was intended for this format. The RRE Committee believes that something ought to be done to both clarify the appropriate use of evidence and to provide better guidance when adjudicating claims of misrepresentation. The RRE Committee may ask the PF Ad Hoc Committee to continue deliberations and discussions over this particular issue as we continue to receive additional feedback from the community. Specifically, community feedback and suggestions for paraphrasing best practices and solutions are welcomed.

FUTURE DECISIONMAKING PROCESS The NSDA will continue to encourage, accept, and compile feedback via its CONNECT platform on the above recommendations through December 31, 2018. Comments and ideas concerning all of the PF Ad Hoc Committee’s recommendations will be compiled and shared with the RRE Committee of the Board for their consideration, review, and eventual final recommendation to the CR Committee of elected Board members. The RRE Committee will consult the PF Ad Hoc Committee on any recommendations that

they feel need additional consultation. At its May meeting, the Board of Directors will make a decision on each of the recommendations. This may include the declining of action on particular recommendations or the approval of some for implementation and/or piloting in 2019-2020. It is apparent from the feedback and response to the committee recommendations received to date that Public Forum Debate is and will continue to be a very popular and important debate event for our community. We are dedicated to a transparent process that proactively

addresses concerns and results in decisions that maximize the benefits of this important event.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION! To access the

CONNECT portal online to share your thoughts, please visit NSDAConnect.org, click the “Discuss” tab, and join the PF discussion board. Create a free account to comment.

Fulfill your professional development requirements through CONNECT: NSDA’s Participate Learning Community — our online portal including self-paced classes, discussion boards, and more!

www.NSDAConnect.org

Advertise your speech and debate openings with us!

As a service to member schools, the National Speech & Debate Association offers complimentary employment listings on our website, www.speechanddebate.org/jobs. For $100, you may reserve a custom, third-page print ad in Rostrum magazine. We’ll even help you design your ad! Contact emily.kriegel@speechanddebate.org or call us at (920) 748-6206 to reserve your ad today. Our next issue will be published in mid-February!

LEARN MORE www.speechanddebate.org/jobs

ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

“We produce more than 2,400 awards for the National Tournament alone. Imagine what we can do for your school or — Chad Wagner, tournament!” Trophy Shop Manager for the NSDA

NATIONAL SPEECH & DEBATE ASSOCIATION

TROPHY SHOP Order tournament trophies, school awards, plaques, medals, and more from the National Speech & Debate Association’s Trophy Shop!

We have thousands to choose from, or you can create customized awards for your event! As a member, you have access to wholesale prices and early invoicing. Learn more at www.speechanddebate.org/trophyshop

COMPETITION EVENTS

Heats Up in Year 3 by Katie Hines

s the 2018-2019 speech and debate season gets underway, more than 400 Big Questions events have been scheduled across 40 states. This year, students will rigorously debate both sides of the topic, Resolved: Humans are primarily driven by selfinterest. Throughout the debate, students will explore the impacts of biological determinism, evolutionary drivers, motivational morality, and psychological egoism on human behavior.

Are humans motivated by self-interest? Building on the knowledge from the 2016-2017 Big Questions topic regarding free will, this topic explores the dimensions of human selfishness. Evolutionary biology evidence tends to support the idea that humans are primarily selfish creatures. The basic idea of evolution is the survival of the fittest, not survival of the kindest. Beyond biology, psychology contains a great deal of evidence in favor of the self-interest model. When in laboratory situations,

humans often act exactly as one would predict selfinterested actors to behave. When abstracted from the pressing realities of real life, humans will often make decisions as if they are the only one that matters. On the other hand, many psychological studies designed to show human self-interest fail outright. Instead, these experiments demonstrate that humans are very interested in fairness and may sacrifice their own self-interest to maintain a fair outcome. There are also anthropological theories about human nature that corroborate the conclusions of these psychological studies—for example, cultural evolution, the idea that those who are fittest to live in a community are more likely to survive than those who make themselves disliked by other members of the community. This topic has already intrigued and resonated with students. A student from Hinsdale Central High School in Illinois remarked, “The topic allowed me to analyze human nature by reading up on the perspectives that suggest humans are

LEARN MORE ONLINE!

NSDABigQuestions.org motivated by the self, as opposed to motivated by altruism. The debate even made me evaluate my own actions and incentives in life. Now, I notice people going out of their way to help others, juxtaposed with people charting their futures thinking solely out of their personal gain.”

Get involved! Interested in participating in Big Questions with your team, at your tournament, or in your classroom? To learn more about Big Questions, find our event resources, and see if funding is still available, please visit our website at NSDABigQuestions.org or contact us at info@ speechanddebate.org.

Already signed up to participate in Big Questions? Check out our resources! The NSDA provides resources online for students participating in Big Questions. Resources include a topic analysis, sample cases, an evidence packet, a topic primer, and lesson plans. These items are meant to introduce students and coaches to many of the aspects of the scholarly debate on this topic and provide a base level of understanding about the themes and core topic questions.

This publication was made possible through the support of a grant from the John Templeton Foundation. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation.

ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

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2018 NATIONAL PI KAPPA DELTA DEBATE CHAMPIONS

TOP 10

POINTS

National Pi Kappa Delta Program

18+

Speech events

Transfer to our PKD chapter

NSDA

Scholarships

Styles of debate

To learn more about speech and debate at Simpson, email spencer.waugh@simpson.edu

SIMPSON.EDU

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

AUGUST 4-6, 2019 Colorado Springs, Colorado

LEARN from expert coaches and educators.

DISCUSS

and collaborate with coaches from around the country.

innovative ideas, new techniques, and expert tips.

he 2018 National Speech & Debate Conference was an incredible experience for coaches and educators from 38 states who met in Phoenix. We had a wonderful time discussing new coaching methods and educational tips, as well as new changes proposed for

Public Forum Debate— but we’re not stopping there. The 2019 National Conference, to be held in Colorado Springs in partnership with Colorado College, will include more opportunities for learning and collaboration for all of our attendees. Based on feedback from the 2018 conference, we worked to create a new set of themes/audiences that will help attendees plan their conference experience so it meets their unique interests and professional development needs. This year’s sessions, panels, and round table discussions will focus on seven themes/audiences, including:

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER 26

ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

• New to Speech and Debate: practical solutions for those who are new to coaching or teaching speech and debate. • Inclusive Teams and Tournament Practices: discussion of inclusion in speech and debate classrooms, tournaments, and the community as a whole. • NSDA District Leadership: ideas, concerns, and best practices related to NSDA District leadership at the local and national level. • Classroom Focused: strategies specifically for those who teach speech and debate courses.

• Competition Focused: issues related to competitive speech and debate coaching and preparation. • Workshop: an interactive workshop given by one or more coaches/teachers who will demonstrate coaching/teaching a particular speech and/or debate skill. • Communication and Theatre Studies: analyze the practice and/or study of communication, rhetoric, and/or theatre. We look forward to offering our attendees more opportunities to discuss, share, and network in this year’s schedule. Our goal is to create a setting where all voices are valued. We

| www.speechanddebate.org/conferences

EARLY BIRD OFFER

$ 100

want each speech and debate coach or teacher who attends to leave the conference with tools and ideas that will serve their team well as they strive to improve their curriculum, competition strategies, and most importantly, their team/ classroom culture. A general conference schedule with session descriptions will be posted in early 2019, but we’re proud to announce two of our keynote speakers: Ryan Haygood and April Holmes (see sidebar for details). We can’t wait to hear their amazing speeches next summer! Make your plans to attend the 2019 National Conference at The Antlers Hotel in downtown Colorado Springs now! Please remember, our Early Bird rate of $249 for NSDA members and $299 for nonmembers is only offered to those who register and pay by December 31, 2018. Starting January 1, 2019, the price increases to $349 for NSDA members and $399 for nonmembers. For those who cannot travel to join us in person, we also offer virtual attendance for a variety of sessions that costs $99. Register online at www.speechanddebate.org/ conferences. Lauren McCool serves as Education and Recognition Coordinator for the NSDA.

In partnership with

OFF

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS RYAN HAYGOOD — CIVIL RIGHTS LAWYER yy CEO, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice yy Advocate and Spokesperson One of the nation’s leading civil rights lawyers, Ryan P. Haygood, Esq., is CEO of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice. In this role, he empowered urban communities by connecting residents of color to meaningful jobs, affordable housing, and fair treatment in the criminal justice system. Ryan also served as the deputy director of litigation at the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund Inc., where he litigated some of the most important civil rights cases of our time, including defending a core provision of the Voting Rights Act before the Supreme Court. He is frequently interviewed by media outlets, including MSNBC, CNN, National Public Radio, and The New York Times.

APRIL HOLMES — U.S. PARALYMPIC ATHLETE yy Three-Time Medalist and World Record Holder yy Best-Selling Author, Spokesperson, and Motivational Speaker This paralympic track and field champion has set 14 world records, putting together several undefeated seasons, and winning three Paralympic medals as well as five World Championship medals. April Holmes has also become an advocate focused on improving the awareness of people with disabilities. She has earned numerous other accolades, including being named in the International Paralympic Committee’s “Top 10 Women in Paralympic Sport,” being awarded the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Spirit Award and the Black Journalists Pioneer Award, and being honored as the NCAA 2015 Inspirational Athlete of the Year and the U.S. Paralympic Mentor of the Year. She also assisted First Lady Michelle Obama on the “Let’s Move” Campaign, serves as a U.S. Anti-Doping Athlete Ambassador, and spoke at the United Nations Sport & Social Impact Summit.

Sponsored by

* Early Bird discount of $100 off the registration price valid through 12/31/18 ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 27

INCLUSION COMPETITION EVENTS

Inclusion Commitments for 2018-2019 compiled by Amy Seidelman and Annie Reisener

ach year, the NSDA solicits recommendations from coach caucuses that convene at the National Tournament to help drive inclusion efforts for the following year. For 2018-2019, our inclusion commitments are still based on the caucus recommendations, but with the benefit of two additional steps we’ve taken to gain input and prioritize. First, we conducted a multicultural organizational assessment this summer, inviting the organization’s coaching leadership, including district and caucus leaders, to share their opinions of our progress in many areas of work including our resources, practices, standards, honor code and code of ethics, and leadership. The results of that survey, which garnered approximately 160 external stakeholder responses, were provided along with caucus recommendations to the Third Thing Institute, headed by Dr. Sherry Watt at the University of Iowa, for further analysis. After review of the feedback we received through both

channels, the Third Thing Institute recommended we focus on external training and leadership this year. A focus on external training means developing training materials that address diversity and inclusion as it relates to coaching, recruitment, and activities. These materials should be easily accessed by all members, clearly related to the aims and needs of speech and debate, and provide clear definitions of what the organization means by diversity and inclusion as well as clarify existing policies. Leadership means identifying position(s) dedicated to the development and support of diversity and inclusion initiatives, assessing structural diversity to intentionally recruit or promote qualified individuals from underrepresented minority groups, particularly in terms of race, and assessing and improving the climate of the NSDA to help support these individuals. To that end, we commit to the following actions.

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The NSDA will highlight best practices for diversity and inclusion within the speech and debate community. • Promote the NSDA Harassment and Discrimination policy as a best practice for speech and debate tournaments. (Winter) • Promote the NSDA best practice guides for Safe Tournaments including gender-neutral restrooms, use of the NSDA Harassment and Discrimination policy, inclusive dress codes, and pronouns. (Fall) • Provide cultural competency training for members including webinars and Rostrum articles on various students’ identities. (Winter) • Update and promote an invitation that coaches or district leaders can send to administrators of under-resourced schools to learn more about speech and debate. (Fall) • Continue to invite administrators and decision makers from under-resourced schools without speech and debate programs to attend the National Tournament and start a speech and debate program. (Spring) The NSDA will strive for leadership that represents the diversity of our speech and debate community. • Continue to collect and analyze demographic information of NSDA staff, tab staff, district leadership, National Tournament finalists, and wording committees to ensure our

programs are providing equitable access and representation to all. (Ongoing)

• Continue to ensure that all award winners accurately represent the NSDA’s core value of Inclusion. (Ongoing) • Provide free training for Tabroom to help more individuals gain leadership roles throughout the year. (Winter) The NSDA will celebrate diversity and inclusion within the speech and debate community. • Continue to find ways to celebrate the diversity of our membership that coincide with national monthly celebrations and that highlight successful students, coaches, and alumni. (Ongoing) The NSDA will continue to provide and promote safe spaces for underrepresented or marginalized groups to meet. • Continue to offer and promote the Coaches’ Caucuses during the 2019 National Tournament. (Summer) The NSDA will continue to strive for a diverse, inclusive, and representative judging pool at the National Tournament. In these efforts, the NSDA will promote best practices for judge training. • Continue to recruit and offer the opportunity for judges to self-identify as diversity enhancing. (Ongoing) • Continue to provide and promote a free judge training that includes a cultural competency component for all speech and debate judges. (Ongoing) • Introduce cultural competency guidelines for NSDA National Tournament judges to agree to in order to qualify as a judge. (Winter)

The NSDA will assist teachers and students in finding diverse literature that may inspire more students. • Continue to curate a web page that includes potentially useful books or compilations of pieces about or written by traditionally marginalized and disenfranchised communities, in partnership with NSDA members and partners. (Ongoing) The NSDA will provide training opportunities for members to become more culturally competent. • Facilitate a diversity and inclusion workshop for members of the community to strengthen their own ability to talk about race and deepen their own racial narrative. (Summer)

2019 Inclusion Workshop August 7-8 | Colorado Springs, Colorado The National Speech & Debate Association is excited to host up to 55 NSDA members at the 2019 Inclusion Workshop next summer. Our facilitators from Courageous Conversations by the Pacific Educational Group, Inc., will lead a workshop that models and teaches a protocol for discussing race in ways that are productive, insightful, and generative. Through this workshop, participants will strengthen their critical consciousness of race and practice using strategies for identifying and addressing the policies, programs, and practices that negatively impact student of color achievement and serve as barriers to all students receiving a world class education.

For more information, please visit:

www.speechanddebate.org/inclusion Amy Seidelman is the Assistant Executive Director for the NSDA. Annie Reisener serves as Operations Specialist for the NSDA.

Learn more about our inclusion efforts:

www.speechanddebate.org/inclusion ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 29

INCLUSION

What Are We Talking About? by Nate Monson

They, Them, They’re, Their.

• 85.7% of LGBTQ students heard negative remarks specifically about transgender people, like tranny or he/she. ender identity has become a hot topic with

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

many educators struggling

• 22.2% of students had been prevented from wearing clothes considered inappropriate based on their legal sex. • 50.9% of transgender students had been prevented from using their preferred name or pronouns. • 60% of transgender students had been required to use a bathroom or locker room of their legal sex.

to understand how to best

Getting the correct

support all their students

pronouns and name of

in the classroom. Talking

a student is important.

about gender can be an

Just like a student who

uncomfortable experience

has the name Rebecca

for some; for others, it

and would prefer you call

• Were almost three times as likely to miss school in the past month.

may be confusing. Tackling

them Becky—you honor

• Had lower GPAs.

a challenge such as

their requests because you

understanding a concept

know it builds relationships

• Were twice as likely to report they did not plan to pursue any post-secondary education.

like gender takes an open

with the students that

• Were more likely to have been disciplined.

heart and a common ground

helps them succeed.

42.5% of LGBTQ students who reported they did not plan to finish high school, or were not sure if they would finish, indicated they were considering dropping out because of the harassment they faced at school.

of supporting all students.

Research backs up the hurt that exists for transgender students. According to GLSEN’s 2015 National School Climate Survey:

A transgender student

LGBTQ students who experienced higher levels of victimization because of their gender expression:

This is not about some cable

you are working with

news tirade about a group

might not have the

of people. This is about

support from their

ensuring all of your students

parents, students, or

have the space they need

other educators. Hearing

to learn. Transgender

their correct name

frustrations that student

students are in every school

and pronouns makes

and every community.

a sometimes life or

Trans students are often

death difference for a

misunderstood because of

transgender student.

the confusion that happens

Every single time they are

over pronouns, names, and

misgendered, it just adds

yes, even restrooms.

to the pile of hurt and

has experienced. This isn’t about you. This isn’t about your fellow educators. This isn’t about someone else in your community. This is about ensuring every single student in your school has

ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

the support they need to be successful. Educators often are hesitant to adopt a student’s pronoun. I understand that mistakes do happen, and you may accidentally use the incorrect pronoun or name

for a student you have known for a long time. Allies can make mistakes, and it’s okay if you recognize your mistake and move on by using the correct pronoun.

TERMINOLOGY 101 Gender identity is our internal experience and naming of our gender. Gender identity is a part of every single human being. There are more than two gender identities. You could identify as a male. You could identify as a female. You could identify as genderqueer. Or genderfluid. Or agender. When it comes to gender identity, all the above and none of the above are options. Agender is the ‘none of the above’ option with a person not identifying with any gender. Genderqueer could be considered the ‘all of the above’ option with a person identifying with a third gender or developing their own concept of gender. You may even have a student identify as two-spirit, which is a Native American term describing a person with both male and female spirits.

A cisgender person has a gender identity consistent with the sex they were assigned at birth. A child whose sex was assigned female at birth and identifies as female is cisgender. A transgender person has a gender identity that does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. Using the previous example, a male-identifying child whose sex assigned at birth was female is transgender, or trans. Another layer to all of this is our gender expression. Gender expression is the way in which a person expresses their gender identity, typically through their appearance, dress, mannerisms, and their behavior. I express my gender through cardigans. Another person who identifies as male may express their gender by wearing suits all the time. Another person who identifies as male may express their gender by wearing makeup. All of this can seem like a lot, but what is important is to listen to what the student describes their experience as and use the terminology they use to describe themselves. This is not about your own ideas of gender identity—this is all about what students want for themselves.

A NOTE ABOUT PRONOUNS “For introductions, say your name, organization, and PGP. She, her, hers. He, him, his. They, them, their.” The first time I heard all of this, I was completely lost. What was happening and why were people saying pronouns? What does PGP stand for? (I later found out that PGP stood for “Proper Gender Pronoun.”) Pronouns are one of those things I had never thought twice about. Suddenly, everyone in this room was using them as part of their introduction. My confusion turned into understanding after talking further with transgender students. This is a simple way of ensuring everyone in the room knows someone’s pronouns without isolating a specific student. Pronouns are important. They are the words to describe your gender identity to the world. Pronouns may be something you never think about. You may have always had the pronouns like She, Her, Hers used to describe you and never thought about why. Who decided what pronouns were appropriate for you? Did you have any input in this? For transgender students, pronouns are important, and they are a symbol of someone who is accepting and understanding. Correctly using pronouns allows

students to have the safe space they desperately need. Here is how pronouns work. My gender identity is male, and my proper gender pronouns are He, Him, His. Someone who identifies as female may have proper gender pronouns of She, Her, Hers. Another person may have a gender identity of genderqueer, and their proper gender pronouns might be They, Them, Their. Who gets to determine a person’s pronouns? That person does. Not anyone else. A student may ask you at the start of the school year to refer to them by pronouns that are different than your own assumptions. Your response should be to say “Great!” and write their pronouns down on your seating chart. This will ensure you get it right, and a substitute teacher will have that information, too. I can boil this down to a couple sentences. Your job is to ensure a safe, supportive, and caring learning environment for all students. The students are your teacher on this if you need help. Ask questions. You are not there to tell anyone what their pronouns or name should be. The students have the power in determining who they are.

Nate Monson (He, Him, His) serves as Executive Director of Iowa Safe Schools—a position he has held since 2007 following the passage of the state’s anti-bullying law and extension of the Iowa Civil Rights Act to include gender identity and sexual orientation.

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FROM OUR PARTNERS

INSIGHT: Poised for a Successful Career through Speech and Debate by Rachel Boroditsky and Daniel Tartakovsky Editor’s Note: Coaches, if your students are looking for exciting ways to utilize their speech and debate skills after graduation and beyond, please share these perspectives from our friends (and former debaters) at McKinsey & Company!

here are many reasons to love debate: researching and learning about new topics, problem-solving and thinking on your feet, and being part of a team that’s also a closeknit community. As former debaters, we often found ourselves wondering how to “bridge the gap” between our experiences in debate and our professional life. Whether you’ve had your first job or haven’t even thought about what you want to pursue, we want to share how our careers in management consulting at McKinsey & Company have allowed us to experience what we love about debate on a daily basis. You may be wondering what management consultants do. Good news, we’re here to tell you! We advise different organizations on how to solve some of their largest challenges. For instance, we might advise a business on what new products could expand its consumer base, a government considering the impact of autonomous vehicles on transportation, or a nonprofit developing a strategy to increase early-childhood reading. By bringing prior experience and expertise

to the organization, we work together to help organizations achieve their goals. One of the most exciting parts of debate is having a platform and a voice with which to effect change. You address important issues about government and social policy, and you work to convince the judge of your position. While careers in government and law are a logical place to continue these discussions, a career in the business world can also serve that purpose—by helping inform decisionmakers on how to create tangible impact across society. At McKinsey, you attend frequent meetings with influencers—executives, government officials, entrepreneurs—and speak up, ask questions, and collaborate to find a solution. And you’ll often see change firsthand— anything from improvements at your client’s storefronts, advertisements about a new policy program, or friends coincidentally mentioning a news story about a change you’ve helped shape. For others, the most invigorating part of debate is learning about a new topic. Whether the topic

changes every month or once a year, debaters have to quickly become experts on multiple sides of an issue. In consulting, our projects can last from one week to a few months, and we must quickly learn about a new industry, guided by colleagues and expert interviews. Similarly, consultants have a lot of variety in their projects— working on everything from education policy to retail pricing to social media marketing. A good consultant can see multiple sides of an issue and bring diversity of experience to better understand the problem. In the process, we consider stakeholders’ views and exercise our empathy muscles. Switch-side debate has prepared us for this work by broadening our perspectives and helping us appreciate nuances in differing opinions. For many debaters, the people you meet are the highlight of the experience. Your teammates support you, push you to improve, and, above all, are your friends. In consulting, our work is similarly team-focused, and our dedication to mentorship means that colleagues who care deeply about your

development will help you reach your potential. The time we spend together, working on challenging intellectual questions, forges tight bonds that last long after a project ends. Teammates support you in your personal and professional life and have your best interests at heart. Like your tight connection to the debate community—which will continue long after you graduate—the McKinsey community is one that will stay with us long after we leave its four walls. We hope you find our experience interesting and that it provides an opportunity for you to think about your career and life goals: What do you enjoy doing? What would you like to accomplish? What matters to you in your personal and professional life? Consulting could be the bridge you walk across to continue pursuing your interests, aspirations, and values from your debate experience and translate these into the professional world. We hope you will reach out to us or the many other former debaters at McKinsey if you would like to learn more! Be confident that debate equips you with many skills, and that by spending time in the community, you are wellpositioned for future successes in the areas you care about.

Rachel Boroditsky debated for four years at Glenbrook North High School (IL), where she was a Policy Debate finalist at the Tournament of Champions and Illinois Debate State Tournament. Daniel Tartakovsky debated for four years at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School (CA), where he was a Lincoln-Douglas semifinalist at the Tournament of Champions and champion of the Harvard National Invitational and the Greenhill Fall Classic.

For more information, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/debaters. 34

ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

www.gdsdebate.com

Lincoln-Douglas Debate Two Weeks June 30 – July 13 Three Weeks June 30 – July 20 Kritik Lab Three Weeks June 30 – July 20 Congressional Debate Two Weeks June 30 – July 13 World Schools Debate Two Weeks June 30 – July 13 World Schools/Lincoln-Douglas Three Weeks June 30 – July 20 Coaches Clinic One-Three Week Options Available

Visit our website for more information about all of our programs.

www.gdsdebate.com

COMMUNITY

Words from the Hall It’s Your Legacy by Jacquelyn Young

coach because I love to see the motivation and transformation of my students; that’s what gives me joy. At this time in my teaching career, I find myself trying to take more time to reflect on how I got here. This is year 36 at teaching and coaching at Blue Springs High. As the saying goes, “time flies when you’re having fun.” No one believes I am seriously looking toward the next phase of my life called “retirement from the classroom,” but I am! I would like to share some life lessons I’ve learned along the way. When I was asked to write this, of course I first went back and read what others have written, which caused me to reflect even more. Then I went to those who

know me best: my son (my assistant) and my seniors! So, let’s begin.

Be patient when building a program. “Rome wasn’t built in a day!” When I was first hired, I thought I was going to teach and coach speech, but that’s not what happened. For my first nine years, I assisted the debate coach through working with the occasional speech student and traveling to tournaments before I finally got the opportunity to teach what I thought I was hired to do! I started with two classes and a speech program of about 25 students. Now, 35 years later, I teach and coach a team of 90 students, grades 9-12. The first thing I learned was how to manage both

their schedules and mine. As much as I wish I had exclusivity over their lives— surprisingly, not so! At Blue Springs there’s work, band, choir, theatrical rehearsals, winter sports, robotics, and band.. . again! Speech is like a sport: you have to be constantly recruiting to keep your program flourishing, so be willing to put in the necessary time. I suggest you have a system that allows you to stay in contact with your students. This generation doesn’t remember half of what you tell them, so you’ve got to have some type of social media in place that will create this for you. I use the Remind system (see sidebar, next page). This allows both the student and the parent (for the younger ones) to know what is expected.

Because we spend so much time with them, we often become the parents away from home. I don’t know what my students are going to do when I leave: I provide the first aid kit, the sewing kit, the Kleenex, the perfume, but they have to provide their own medications—and that’s just for the classroom!

Be real, responsible, and respectful. It doesn’t matter if you teach a team of 10 or 100. Teach them to be real, responsible, and respectful of you and your school district. Let your students know who you are. Don’t be afraid to share parts of your story, because this can encourage them to open up more to you, giving you direction for

“Remember, you are not just a speech or debate coach; you are a life coach because you are teaching life skills.” — Jacquelyn Young 36

ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

Hall of Fame Nominations The highest honor for any high school speech and debate coach is election to the National Speech & Debate Association Hall of Fame. Each year, nominations are sought from member coaches. In the month of April, current Hall of Fame members and coaches with at least three diamonds vote to determine which nominees will be elected members of this most distinguished body. If you are a member coach and would like to nominate a deserving coach, visit www.speechanddebate.org/hall-of-fame.

pieces or topics. They will always respect you for being honest with them. The serious speech students will constantly come to you with questions, and they will want answers. Don’t be intimidated by their knowledge; embrace it and learn from them. Get their opinions on things that are worthy of sharing with them. Allow your varsity members to be a part of the decisions you make. That way they can take some ownership when it is formally introduced to the team. Create an environment of respect for all. Make them understand this isn’t just about them—it’s a team thing! Everyone is important. Yes, points and degrees make us look good; but even the senior who is still at the degree of Honor deserves the same respect as the student who has been to Nationals three consecutive years. Wherever they go and whatever they

do, they represent you as their coach, their parents, and your school district. It is up to us to challenge them to create a REAL world with REAL responsibilities. Don’t be afraid to have high expectations. Challenge them to meet them!

Develop your mantra. Each coach introduces on the first day of each new school year a plan for the year; your mantra. It can be through a syllabus, a letter to the class, team goals, or any other team building activity you may plan. The plan is what sets the tone for the year. If you have a varied level of students in classes, you have to decide how you want to reiterate what you desire to continue from years past because they “worked” and what you want to introduce for the new year. The plan is vitally important for the success of your season.

First impressions are still important because they follow you. Just like the way a student walks into every round and sits down presents an impression on that judge, the same happens for us as educators. If you try something and it doesn’t work, do what we ask them to do; revise and come up with a new approach.

We need you. Your students need you! I begin this last life experience with DON’T QUIT! Remember, you are not just a speech or debate coach; you are a life coach because you are teaching life skills. How students handle their pieces can determine how they learn and grow in other classes and beyond high school. We teach them how to create, to analyze, to synthesize, to evaluate, and to re-evaluate. In the process of this activity, we watch our students go from cocoon to butterflies, right in front of our eyes, if they stay with our programs long enough. Whether it’s buying a pair of shoes or deciding what they do after high school, you will always be a part of them! From graduation parties and homecoming chaperones to weddings, child births, and sometimes funerals, you are more important than you can imagine.

So on those late Friday nights and early Saturday mornings when you are beyond exhausted and extremely worn out and worn down, remember how much your impact really holds in the lives of these young people. Don’t give up on them, because someone didn’t give up on you! It’s your legacy: how do you want to be remembered???

Jacquelyn “Jacci” Young is a five-diamond coach from Blue Springs High School in Missouri and a member of the NSDA Hall of Fame. She has served as co-emcee of the National Tournament awards assembly since 2016.

Tech ProTip Remind is a communication tool that helps teachers reach students and parents where they are. According to NPR.org, teachers use the popular app “to send messages to an entire class and their parents without exchanging personal information. Users can also send documents and photos, set automatic reminders, and create groups.” Many principals, teachers, and guidance counselors use Remind as an alternative to schoolwide intercom announcements, to answer students’ questions, or to send reminders about college applications. To learn more, visit www.remind.com.

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COMMUNITY

DEBATE

USA Debate: Introducing the 2018-2019 National Team Members

Ishan Bhatt • Senior from

St. Andrew’s Episcopal in Mississippi

Ishan has been participating in speech and debate for four years, primarily competing in Lincoln-Douglas Debate. He has achieved national success, championing the NSDA National Tournament, the Harvard Invitational, and the Harvard Round Robin. He also placed 2nd at the National Catholic Forensic League tournament and 5th at the Tournament of Champions. Ishan also enjoys doing volunteer instructional work for speech and debate, providing debate instruction and summer debate camps for his community. Outside of debate, Ishan enjoys quiz bowl, tennis, and playing alto saxophone and piano.

Michael Bole • Senior from A. W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts in Florida Michael is the president of his school’s speech and debate team and has been competing since his freshman year of high school. He primarily competes in Congressional Debate and World Schools Debate. In Congressional Debate, Michael was the runner-up at The Tradition Round Robin, 5th at The Tradition Tournament, 6th at FFL Varsity States, 7th at Yale, 10th at NCFL Grand Nationals, 12th at Florida Blue Key, and was a 2017 NSDA national semifinalist (House). He has 12 career bids and is ranked 7th in the nation. In World Schools Debate, Michael was the 4th best speaker at the 2018 NSDA National Championship and was the captain of his district team that placed 5th overall. Outside of debate, Michael is the President of A.R.T.S. (Artists Reaching to Society) Club at his school, where he leads various volunteering activities and events to help his local community. Michael also serves as the Treasurer on the Student Government Association and as the Layout Editor for the yearbook

ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

staff. In addition to being in four honor societies, Michael is a graphic and web designer and won the NSDA Student Poster Contest twice. He serves as a graphic design intern for the Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation.

Maddie Butler • Senior from Fishers High School in Indiana

Maddie is fortunate to have been involved in the speech and debate community for the past five years. As president of her school’s speech and debate team, Maddie has earned a state championship title in both World Schools Debate and Discussion and has competed as a semifinalist at the NSDA 2017 and 2018 National Tournaments. Maddie is immensely grateful to have been a member of the 2017-2018 NSDA Development Team, where she found competitive success with her team as the Blake World Schools Debate tournament champions. When not competing, Maddie explores her passion for accessible education through serving on the Youth Advisory Board for School Safety to an Indiana State Senator and organizing fundraising events through the Shankar-Suburna foundation to sponsor the primary and secondary education of female students in Nepal. Maddie has enjoyed her experiences as a member of her school’s lacrosse team, pursuing the International Baccalaureate Diploma, participating in the We the People program, and representing her school and state as she learned about the intersection between policy and women’s empowerment at the ALA Girls State and Girls Nation programs. Following high school, Maddie hopes to pursue her interests in international affairs in college to one day practice immigration law. She is grateful for the opportunity to compete with the USA Debate Team this year and expresses her deepest gratitude to the family, friends, and coaches who have supported her.

Anh Cao • Junior from Bentonville

High School in Arkansas

Anh has been involved in speech and debate since her freshman year, competing in Congressional Debate, Public Forum, and World Schools. Anh currently serves as the Congressional Debate Captain at her school. Some of her competitive achievements include placing top 16 (20th place speaker) at NSDA Nationals in World Schools, placing 2nd at the Arkansas State Championship in Public Forum as a sophomore, placing 5th at Isidore Newman in Congress, and being the first debater from her program to qualify to the Tournament of Champions, among others. Anh’s passion for activism and advocacy extends outside of debate, as she is the president of her school’s Young Democrats chapter and a volunteer at the Ozark Literacy Council, where she teaches English to non-native speakers. She also enjoys organizing community events through the Crystal Bridges Museum Teen Council. In her free time, Anh enjoys sewing, listening to podcasts, and drinking coffee.

Elyse Dewbre • Junior from Northland Christian School in Houston, Texas Elyse is a captain of her school’s debate team and has been involved in speech and debate since her freshman year. Although she competes in a variety of events, her passion is Extemporaneous Speaking and World Schools Debate. As a member of the 2017-2018 United States Development Team, she placed in numerous tournaments including the Harvard World Schools Invitational, the Cornell World Schools Tournament, and the Blake World Schools Tournament. In 2018, she championed the NSDA National Tournament in World Schools with her district team and broke at the Tournament of Champions for Extemporaneous Speaking. Aside from debate, at her school she is a member of the varsity tennis team, writes for the school newspaper, The Claw, has leadership roles in Student Council and serves as the president of her class’ National Honor Society. In her free time, Elyse enjoys keeping up with the news, traveling with her family, and volunteering around her community.

Emily Grantham • Senior from Kingwood High School in Texas Emily has been in speech and debate since her freshman year of high school, competing in Public Forum and World Schools Debate. In her sophomore year of high school, she was one of nine members of the inaugural USA Debate Development Team and is a returning member of the USA Debate Team. In Public Forum, she is a two-time state qualifier and elimination round participant at the TFA State tournament and has advanced to outrounds at multiple national level competitions. Representing her NSDA District in World Schools, Emily has been in finals of NSDA Nationals for the past two years and

won the national championship her junior year, ranking in the top 20 speakers. As a member of the USA Debate Team she has represented the United States around the world in Croatia, Germany, and Taiwan, reaching finals at the Alfred Tuna Snider Tournament at Cornell University and winning the Greenhill World Schools Tournament and the EurOpen Tournament in Stuttgart, Germany. Over the summer, she was one of the five members of the USA Debate Team chosen to compete at the World Schools Debating Championship, where her team was awarded 6th place and she ranked in the top 40 speakers. Emily is passionate about advocating for women’s rights. When she is not debating, she enjoys being the copresident of her school’s Gender Equality club and being an officer for her school’s Young Democrats and UNICEF clubs.

Jack Johnson • Junior from The Blake School in Minnesota

Jack is a captain of the debate team at The Blake School and participates in World Schools and Public Forum Debate. Last year in Public Forum, he advanced to the semifinal round of the NDCA National Championship and won 7th speaker. He made it to the octafinal round of the Barkley Forum at Emory University as well as the octafinal round of the MinneApple. Jack also broke at several other prestigious national tournaments including at the University of Pennsylvania and the John Edie tournament at Blake. In World Schools Debate, Jack has previously competed for his school, advancing to the octafinal round at the Harvard Invitational as well as breaking at NSDA Nationals. Outside of speech and debate, Jack played on his school’s varsity baseball team as a freshman and sophomore, volunteers with his church to support community relief, and is a contributing writer of his school newspaper, Spectrum. Jack’s favorite way to spend his free time is traveling with his family.

Ranen Miao • Senior from Millburn High School in New Jersey

Ranen is a returning member of USA Debate and has been competing in speech and debate since his freshman year of high school, primarily in Congressional Debate. He serves as the president of the debate team at his school and has championed the Princeton Invitational, Blake Round Robin, and New Jersey States, along with placing 3rd at the NSDA National Tournament in World Schools and reaching finals at the Tournament of Champions, National Catholic Forensic League Tournament, University of Pennsylvania, Blake Tournament, Glenbrooks, Ridge Debates, Bronx, and New Jersey states three years in a row. As a member of the USA Debate Team, he championed the Greenhill Round Robin, Alfred Tuna Snider World Schools Debate Tournament at Cornell, International Debate Tournament in Ljutomer, Slovenia, won top speaker at Cornell, placed 3rd at the EurOpen tournament in Stuttgart, Germany, and traveled with the team to Taiwan. Outside of debate, Ranen is an officer for his

ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 39

school’s Key Club, Peer Leaders Program, Young Democrats of America, Make-A-Wish, Gender-Sexuality Alliance, and UNICEF Club, and is an editor for his school newspaper, The Miller. Outside of school, Ranen lobbies for a lower voting age in New Jersey through the Youth Progressive Policy Group, teaches younger students debate at his local Chinese school and middle school, and volunteers for local charities. Ranen is passionate about politics and philanthropy, and in his free time enjoys singing with his school’s choir, binging Netflix, and catching up with current events. He is excited to be working with the USA Debate Team again this year!

Leila Saklou • Senior from

Kingwood High School in Texas

Leila has been an active member in speech and debate since her freshman year competing in a variety of events such as Public Forum, Extemporaneous Speaking, and World Schools Debate both locally and nationally. Her sophomore year of high school was spent as one of nine members of the USA Debate Development Team, and she is now a returning member of the USA Debate Team. Domestically, Leila is a twotime state qualifier and elimination round participant at TFA State competition while also claiming numerous victories at tournaments around the country such as the Blake tournament, Cornell University’s Alfred Tuna Snider tournament, and two time finalist at NSDA Nationals. In addition to her domestic career, Leila has also debated across the world in places such as Germany, Croatia, and Taiwan. Over this past summer, Leila represented her nation at the 2018 WSDC where the USA placed 6th overall and she placed as 30th speaker worldwide. Outside of debate, Leila enjoys working as the co-president of her school’s Gender Equality Club and collaborating with charities such as the Global Soap Project, The Pink Fund, and United Against Human Trafficking in addition to currently working with the Todd Litton Campaign for Congress through her school’s Youth Democrats Club.

Liana Schmitter-Emerson • Sophomore from Campbell Hall in California

Liana has been involved in speech and debate at Campbell Hall for three years, primarily competing in World Schools Debate, Parliamentary Debate, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Congressional Debate. She was also a member of the 2017-2018 USA Debate Development Team, where she broke to elimination rounds at multiple tournaments, including Cornell, Blake, and Harvard. Some of her competitive achievements include qualifying to both the California State Tournament and NSDA Nationals as a freshman, reaching semifinals at the California State Tournament in Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking, earning top speaker at the Blake

Worlds Tournament, and finishing third in Extemporaneous Speaking and top speaker in Parliamentary Debate at La Costa Canyon. Outside of speech and debate, Liana serves on her school’s Academic Honor board, works as an admissions ambassador, and enjoys volunteering for her local shelter and a variety of other nonprofit organizations that help find new homes for abandoned animals.

Luke Tillitski • Senior from Charlotte Latin School in North Carolina Luke is a senior at Charlotte Latin School in Charlotte, North Carolina. In his first three years of high school, Luke spent the majority of his time competing in Congressional Debate. Most notably, Luke is the 2018 NSDA national champion in Congressional Debate–Senate. He has won five other national tournaments (Glenbrooks, Crestian, Crestian Round Robin, Blue Key Round Robin, and Durham Academy) in addition to placing in the top six at several others, including the Tournament of Champions, Emory, Bronx, and the Bronx Round Robin. In his career, Luke has amassed 15 total bids to the Tournament of Champions and has been ranked first in the nation. Outside debate, Luke loves to sing. Some highlights from choir performances include Carnegie Hall, the Mormon Tabernacle, St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, and St. Nicholas’ Church in Prague. Being one of two delegates from the state of North Carolina selected for the United States Senate Youth Program and holding the office of senior class president, Luke is eager to lead and serve. When not debating or singing, you can often find him refurbishing an old license plate with his grandfather. He can’t wait for an amazing year with USA Debate!

Brian Zhou • Senior from Greenhill School in Texas Brian is a returning member of USA Debate and has been active in Greenhill’s Lincoln-Douglas Debate program for four years. As a junior in LD Debate, he won the Tournament of Champions and broke to elimination rounds at the NDCA National Championships, TFA State, Berkeley, Apple Valley, St Mark’s, and more. In World Schools Debate, Brian’s team won the Greenhill and Harvard Westlake Round Robins, while also reaching quarterfinals at Harvard, Croatia, and Slovenia. Outside of debate, Brian is the president of Greenhill’s Junior Classical League, East Asian Affinity Group, Student Council, CALM initiative, and active in other clubs. Brian hopes to apply the skills of debate to improve local communities. He advocates for more comprehensive and representative curriculum, works with younger students, and volunteers at a senior citizen home. In his free time, Brian enjoys watching movies/TV series (his favorite—Roots 2016), playing piano, and hanging out with friends. He looks forward to another year with USA Debate!

Learn more about the USA Debate Team at www.speechanddebate.org/usa-debate. 40

ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

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MARCH 1, 2019

CELEBRATING EDUCATORS. INSPIRING STUDENTS. TRANSFORMING TOMORROW.

SIGN UP YOUR TEAM TO PARTICIPATE! Together, we can show people all over the country that speech and debate is an incredible activityâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but we need your participation! Sign up today to take part in and promote National Speech and Debate Education Day. We will send you information, materials, and tips to promote the day and make it a success!

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ALUMNI ANGLES

JORDYN ZIMMERMAN: On Communication, Adaptation, and Inclusion compiled by Annie Reisener

Jordyn Zimmerman is

Affairs on Student Senate,

atmosphere. Our team is

of the faculty members

currently a junior at

where we focus on tackling

modeled after The Sparkle

stood up and asked me

Ohio University where

student concerns involving

Effect and is the seventh

if I would join the team.

she studies Education

accessibility, religious

inclusive collegiate cheer

Although I thought she

Policy and leads campus

observations, societal

team in the nation! As

was joking at the time,

organizations. Throughout

understanding, and more.

an innovative program

the superintendent

the year, Jordyn travels

Through this position, I

bringing together

convinced me otherwise.

to conferences to speak

also have the opportunity

students with and without

On the first day of

to educators about

to sit on University

disabilities, we are working

school, I was unofficially

holding high expectations,

committees, representing

to raise the public symbol

a member of Mentorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

presuming competence,

the greater student body.

of acceptance across

speech and debate team,

and creating a culture of

campus. We cheer at

and by October, I was

acceptance. She graduated

with Hillel on campus and

various events (hockey

ready to compete with

from Mentor High School

at the international level.

games, the homecoming

an informative speech.

in Ohio in 2016. Jordyn was

As a co-chair of the Hillel

parade, wrestling meets,

a finalist for the William

International Student

volleyball games, etc.)

Woods Tate, Jr., National

Cabinet, I have the distinct

and volunteer throughout

Student of the Year award

honor of empowering

the local community.

and was one of the first

student leaders around

students to compete at

the world. I credit

the National Tournament

speech and debate for

using assistive technology.

inspiring me to question

I am extremely involved

and amplify others.

What campus activities are you involved in?

I also started Ohio

Why did you join your high school speech and debate team?

Tell us about your successes and failures as a competitor. What did you learn from them? As a non-speaking student with autism, speech and debate required me to

University Sparkles, an inclusive spirit squad,

I never had any intention

fight with everything I had.

during my freshman

of joining speech and

Initially, I would violently

year. When I arrived on

debate; I was probably

rock back and forth

Bobcats are inspiring and

campus, it was seemingly

the least likely student

during the rounds, unable

I gain so much joy by

diverse, although,

to be in a competition.

to make eye contact or

being around my fellow

everyone remained in

However, after addressing

simultaneously gesture

students. I am currently the

their respective groupsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;

the Mentor High School

while holding my iPad.

Commissioner of Minority

creating a less inclusive

staff on opening day, one

Through continued practice,

ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

‘‘

Communication defines us. Although we share our messages in different ways, everyone has a voice.” — Jordyn Zimmerman

I was able to turn these

to adapt to criticism has

creatively, listening critically,

messages in different

weaknesses into some of

helped me as I continuously

and speaking in-depth

ways, everyone has a

my greatest strengths.

meet people with

about a singular topic, in

voice. When a community

varying perspectives.

a rather short period of

fails to acknowledge a

speech and debate, I was so

time. Now, as a national

person’s words, they may

focused on my score. Some

presenter at conferences,

be unable to understand

speech and debate

their influence. Through

definitely contributes to

speech and debate, we

my composure, poise,

have the power to create

When I first joined

judges were supportive, but others lacked basic sensitivity. My coach was

Has speech and debate impacted your life? If so, how?

assessment of the audience,

inclusive communities

when my ballots were not

Speech and debate instilled

and ability to function

where everyone has

constructive, she began

me with a deep sense of

well under pressure.

the opportunity to

using them for experiments.

confidence and a drive

Throughout the year, I

for connection. I bonded

slowly came to understand

with so many students

that if I win the connection

in my district and across

in the room and create

various communities. It

deeper understanding,

taught me the power of

then my ballots become

sharing my story, honing in

Communication defines us.

meaningless. This ability

on my thoughts, thinking

Although we share our

a chemistry teacher, so

share their story.

If you could tell our community one thing, what would it be? Annie Reisener serves as Operations Specialist for the NSDA.

Jordyn Zimmerman (‘16) started Ohio University Sparkles, an inclusive spirit squad, during her freshman year.

ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 43

COACH PROFILE

K. M. DICOLANDREA: On Speaking Your Truth

K. M. DiColandrea (They, Them, Their), better known as DiCo by students and friends, serves as the head coach and speech and debate teacher at Achievement First Brooklyn High School in Brooklyn, New York. Since its founding in 2011, the team has found national-level success at NSDA Nationals and other competitive tournaments across the country. Like many coaches, DiCo started speech and debate in high school, competing primarily in Extemp and qualifying to the National Tournament in Congress their senior year. Here, DiCo shares more about their journey.

What drove you to pursue speech and debate? Speech and debate is where I got my education. As an educator myself now, I feel obligated to pay the opportunity forward to other students.

Photo Credits: (left) Donald Haffenden â&#x20AC;˘ (opposite) Leonore Waldrip

compiled by Greyson Koinzan and Katie Hines

What classes do you teach? What has been your favorite class to teach? I have the best schedule in the world: Extemp, Congress, Debate, and Interp. That is my full schedule. I teach each class every day. My favorite class to teach of those four? Too tough to call.

How has this activity changed your life? On the fifth day of my junior year of high school, the twin towers were attacked and destroyed three blocks away. The only thing that helped pulled me out of the deep depression that followed was the opportunity on Saturday mornings to speak my truth about our broken world

ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

in Extemp, Congress, and Oratory rounds.

Briefly tell us about your program and what makes it unique. Achievement First Brooklyn High School is a high-performing charter school in Crown Heights that offers a rigorous academic course load to students in a collegepreparatory setting. It is a Title I school where 75 percent of students qualify for free or reduced lunch and 100 percent of students identify as people of color. What makes our program unique is that we are one of the only inner-city public schools competing across all of the events (speech, debate, congress) on the national circuit.

What impact does speech and debate have on your students? My students are all people of color, and most of them live in low-income households. Our country has failed them and their families in so many ways, but my students are resilient and powerful. I have seen students completely transform in their four years on the team. As an example, one of our girls literally stopped at the threshold of her first tournament and could not walk into the room. The room was filled with young White men in suits, and she was the only woman of color in the space. That girl later went on to become our team president and our first student to qualify

for CFLs. More important than the trophies she went on to win, she found the confidence to speak her truth in Original Oratory about her experiences as a Mexican-American woman. Speech and debate empowers my students to courageously speak their own truths: the truth about how their parents are deported, about how they are racially profiled by the police, about how they are systematically oppressed just because of the color of their skin. Once they find that power, no one can take it away from them. Our alumni—80 percent of whom are the first in their family to attend college—have gone on to top colleges including Yale, Princeton, Wesleyan, Bowdoin, Smith, Lawrence, and Bates where they are making waves on campus as student leaders.

How does your work with the Brooklyn Debate League differ from coaching at your high school? We host tournaments on Friday nights for middle school and high school students. I got the idea to start the league when I took my first kids to CFLs a few years ago and met a mother of a freshman who had qualified in Original Oratory. It turns out she

had paid thousands of dollars to enroll her child in a speech and debate “academy” in middle school so she would get a head start. It didn’t seem fair that students who could afford to pay thousands of dollars in middle school could get this advantage, so I started the league as an opportunity for middle school students in Brooklyn. We have since expanded it to include JV divisions for high school freshmen and sophomores. We have a diverse membership in the league: kids from public schools, charter schools, parochial schools, and even private schools compete against each other. We try hard to make the space less about the competition and more about the activity. We kick off every awards ceremony with an opportunity for the kids to shout out each other, and they frequently will shout out students from other teams who helped them, who inspired them, who impressed them, etc. The league is also an opportunity for students to step up as leaders: most of the tabulation and judging is done by experienced juniors and seniors.

What is the biggest piece of advice you have given your

students? How have they used your advice to better themselves?

quarters. I still cannot fully articulate how proud I am of her.

Don’t be afraid to speak your truth. The trophies are nice, but at the end of the day, you’re going to throw away the awards and forget the ranks. What you’re going to remember is what it felt like to hit your stride when speaking your truth in front of other people. When done right, it should feel like flying, and there’s nothing else like it. More importantly, when done right, people will learn from you and will remember what you taught them. That’s why we do this.

What is the highlight of your coaching career? The best part about coaching is getting to work with such brilliant young people. The highlight of my coaching career so far was when our team president Oluseyi advanced to quarterfinals at NSDA Nationals last year. She had been getting to finals on the national circuit in Duo and Humorous Interp since she was a junior, but she chose to spend senior year competing with an Original Oratory about her experience as a Black woman in speech and debate. She won our District Student of the Year award, qualified for NSDA Nationals, and then got to

In your opinion, why is speech and debate important? What impact can it have on a person? Speech and debate changes the trajectories of kids’ lives. My students are the strongest people I have ever met. They have endured homelessness, domestic abuse, sexual assault, racial profiling, the incarceration of parents, the deportation of parents, even in some cases the death of parents. But that does not hold them back. Even when everything around them tries to silence them, they learn through speech and debate not to be silent anymore.

What are the best three words to describe yourself? Small but mighty. We have a Latin translation of that phrase on our team hoodies and everyone thinks it’s like a fancy official Latin saying... nope. Just me being silly.

Greyson Koinzan is a senior from Mountain Vista High School in Colorado. She currently serves as a publications intern for the National Speech & Debate Association. Katie Hines serves as the Big Questions Grants Administrator for the NSDA.

“Speech and debate changes the trajectories of kids’ lives. My students are the strongest people I have ever met.” — K. M. DiColandrea ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 45

TEAM PROFILE

The G. W. Carver Magnet High Team: Building a Brand compiled by Amy Seidelman

oach Anthony Cobb competed in speech and debate and coached in college, where he says he found his true passion and calling. During the 2018-2019 season, he expects to have about 25 students on the team at G. W. Carver Magnet High in Houston, Texas. Here, Mr. Cobb and several of his students tell us more about their program.

What speech and debate events are popular with your students? MR. COBB: Impromptu

is something I require all members to compete in until they win a trophy. Prose and Poetry are a favorite, followed by platform speeches. Debate is the number one draw of students to the program, but the Interp events tend to be what keeps them interested.

Head coach Anthony Cobb with senior team member Narius Nedd

What’s unique about your team?

FOLASADE OSORO (JUNIOR, THIRD YEAR TEAM MEMBER):

MR. COBB: The uniqueness

Mr. Cobb reminds us to defy stereotypes and not let data or even the actions of others determine who we are or who we will be.

on my team comes from [the students’] perspective. Despite crime and socioeconomic data for our area, our students are responsible for Carver Magnet being the highest performing traditional high school in the 9th largest district in the Great State of Texas. I remind them of this every day.

G. W. Carver Magnet High’s speech and debate team celebrates after the Dekaney tournament

ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

What makes Carver speech and debate participants proud to be part of this team? NARIUS NEDD (SENIOR, THIRD YEAR TEAM MEMBER):

We started from nothing. No one knew us on the

tournament circuit. Kids at school didn’t even know we had a speech and debate team. I am proud that we started from scratch and were a part of creating a legitimate team.

Why do you value membership in the National Speech & Debate Association? MR. COBB: As a coach,

I value membership in the NSDA because it connects me and my students to the speech and debate community. I value the resources such as point calculations and roster management.

Is there a particular resource or service we offer that you find especially helpful? MR. COBB: Point tracking is a very effective and helpful tool. It makes recordkeeping much simpler. There is also the benefit of tracking our team’s history for comparison to previous years and regimes.

What do you do with membership certificates and seals? ROLANDO VERA (SENIOR, SECOND YEAR TEAM MEMBER): Mr. Cobb gives

us the certificates to take home. Students usually snap a pic or make a copy, then bring it back to display in our War Room. We get the certificate back when we graduate or move.

How do you fundraise to support the team? MR. COBB: We fundraise through team dues and soliciting donations. A local restaurant called Wings, Pizza and Things has been very supportive in our endeavors.

Back: Keishawn Cornett, Laaeticia Guenoune, Narius Nedd, Kevin Washington, Jaida Walker, Gilbert Alvarez, and Marquee Wells • Middle: Coach Anthony Cobb, Sherrelle Bradford, Chyna Turner, Jasmine Warner, Coach Reshunda Murray, Alexis Medina, and Luis Chavez • Front: Allen Singleton, Erica LaFleur, Martha Rolon, Brianee Mason, and Xeviur Henry

Are there other ways your school supports your program? MR. COBB: Our Curriculum Assistant Principal Daniel Blanson has been an advocate of our program and supports my students and holds them to high academic and behavior standards.

Carver Magnet recently earned charter status in the NSDA this year. What does this honor mean to your team? MR. COBB: Being recognized

as a charter member means a lot. It is reflective of my team’s and my hard work. We had something to prove our first year, and it feels as though we have indeed proven that we are fierce competitors.

Has your team set any goals for this year? MR. COBB: Branding. As

we build our team and get more in the spotlight, I hope we can build a brand that is easily followed as with sports teams.

What’s been a highlight of being a member of the program at Carver?

ABOUT CHARTER STATUS Becoming a charter member is the NSDA’s highest school membership honor. A chapter is automatically chartered if, after at least one year at member status, it has earned at least 50 degrees within a three-year period. Small schools with a grade 9-12 enrollment of fewer than 500 students must earn at least 25 degrees within a three-year period. Schools earning charter status for the first time are issued a complimentary commemorative plaque by the NSDA. Schools chartered before the 2016-2017 school year have the option of purchasing a plaque from the NSDA Store to complement their original charter document.

CHYANNE DAVIS (JUNIOR, THIRD YEAR TEAM MEMBER):

Finally, why do you coach speech and debate?

One of the best parts is riding the bus, bonding with my fellow teammates and sharpening my pieces.

MR. COBB: I coach because I enjoy all aspects of speech and debate. It truly is a gift through which I try to inspire and teach, especially with students who have similar issues to the ones I had while growing up. As a coach, I can facilitate such an experience to help students defy stereotypes and experience joy in their educational pursuits.

KEISHAWN CORNETT (SENIOR, THIRD YEAR TEAM MEMBER): I really enjoy

getting recognition at tournaments, but also at school from other students, faculty, and administrators. Last season, I was recognized at one of our school district’s board meetings.

ROSTRUM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 47

2019 COOLIDGE CUP The Coolidge Foundation is setting out to find the top debaters in America! The Coolidge Cup National Debate Tournament begins in the fall of 2018 with qualifying tournaments held across the country. Top placers earn a free trip to compete in the Coolidge Cup Championship Tournament taking place in early July 2019 in historic Plymouth Notch, Vermont. More than $10,000 in scholarships and prizes will be awarded to the winners of the 2019 Coolidge Cup. See the link below for a list of qualifying tournaments.

LEARN MORE

coolidgefoundation.org/2019-coolidge-cup

MILESTONES

Diamond Coach Recognition Eighth Diamond Fifth Diamond

u EIGHTH DIAMOND u

DOUGLAS TSCHETTER

O’Gorman High School, SD April 27, 2018 • 23,058 Points

Douglas Tschetter has been actively coaching in South Dakota for the past 42 years. He was the head coach for all competitive oral interpretation, debate, and congress events at Milbank High School, a 9-12 high school of 340 students. Along with winning many state championships, Doug coached 36 students to the National Tournament. He has retired and currently lives in Sioux Falls where he serves as assistant debate and speech coach. Doug is one of the leaders of speech and debate in South Dakota. He served 10 years as secretary/treasurer, presidentelect, and president of the Speech Communication Association of South Dakota. He spent many more serving on the executive board as well as presenting dozens of programs on speech and debate at annual conventions. He has been recognized three times as South Dakota Debate Coach of the Year and has received the Distinguished Service Award from the SCASD. Doug helped establish and co-directed the SCASD Debate Camp that has served hundreds of South Dakota Policy and LincolnDouglas debaters for the past 26 years. Doug is well known for both his integrity and his work ethic. He has served on the Northern South Dakota District Committee for the past 30+ years, has worked in many national tab rooms in speech and debate, and has spent countless hours working with students from all over South Dakota.

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u FIFTH DIAMOND u

JACQUELYN YOUNG

Blue Springs High School, MO February 6, 2018 • 15,487 Points Jacquelyn Young has taught for 40 years and she has coached forensics for 35 years. In June of 2017, she was inducted into the National Speech & Debate Hall of Fame becoming the first African American woman to be honored. During her tenure, she has coached 14 state champions, 83 national qualifiers, several quarterfinalists, eight semifinalists, six finalists, and three national champions. In addition, her teams have earned three NSDA School of Honor awards and two NSDA School of Excellence awards. She was given the prestigious honor of co-emceeing the National Tournament awards assembly in 2016 and continues with role this today. This year, she has become a recipient of the Marquis Who Who! Moreover, Jacci has conducted several educational sessions at NSDA Nationals and the Speech Theater Association of Missouri annual conferences. She is most proud of watching this activity grow for the benefit of all students and of the journey she has made with so many wonderful students and colleagues.

u FOURTH DIAMOND u

SALLY PIES

CHERYL POTTS

JIM RYAN

Brookings High School, SD February 6, 2018 • 10,011 Points

Plano Sr. High School, TX March 28, 2018 • 13,007 Points

Norman North High School, OK February 28, 2018 • 10,205 Points

u THIRD DIAMOND u

TIMOTHY CORNWELL

CHRISTOPHER ROCCA

STEVE SEXTON

McClintock High School, AZ February 21, 2018 • 6,000 Points

North Mecklenburg High School, NC April 16, 2018 • 6,035 Points

Brookfield East High School, WI July 2, 2018 • 6,022 Points

u SECOND DIAMOND u

E. JASON CLARKE

JODY ORME

RACHEL PAGE

Fort Collins High School, CO April 22, 2018 • 3,016 Points

Sky View High School, UT March 13, 2018 • 6,237 Points

Larry A. Ryle High School, KY February 13, 2018 • 3,603 Points

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DIAMOND COACH RECOGNITION

u SECOND DIAMOND u

CHRISTINE SCOVILLE

MOLLY SEIFERT

MARK URBAN

Bishop Gorman High School, NV April 19, 2018 • 3,003 Points

Beechwood High School, KY March 6, 2018 • 3,132 Points

Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, IL December 17, 2017 • 4,122 Points

u SECOND DIAMOND u

u FIRST DIAMOND u

COURTNEY WALSH

NAOMI BELL

MAURA BREW

McMinnville High School, OR January 27, 2018 • 3,326 Points

North Mesquite High School, TX March 5, 2018 • 1,515 Points

Benilde-St. Margaret’s School, MN March 11, 2018 • 1,529 Points

u FIRST DIAMOND u

CAROLINE CAMPBELL

CARRIE COFER

BRIAN DAVIS

South Medford High School, OR May 24, 2018 • 1,506 Points

Hathaway Brown School, OH January 21, 2018 • 1,528 Points

Valor Christian High School, CO February 26, 2018 • 1,518 Points

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DIAMOND COACH RECOGNITION

u FIRST DIAMOND u

DAVE DEMARZO

FRANK EGAN

ANTHONY GERRETTIE

Wheaton Warrenville South High School, IL February 4, 2018 • 3,421 Points

Enderlin High School, ND March 17, 2018 • 1,624 Points

Salpointe Catholic High School, AZ March 4, 2018 • 1,515 Points

u FIRST DIAMOND u

DAN HODGES

NATHAN JOHNSTON

ANGIE KLEIN

Apple Valley High School, MN March 13, 2018 • 1,506 Points

Trinity Preparatory School, FL August 15, 2018 • 3,690 Points

Pequot Lakes High School, MN March 4, 2018 • 1,502 Points

u FIRST DIAMOND u

JOSEPH MULLER

ALEISHA READYE

Saint Mary’s Hall High School, TX March 20, 2018 • 3,235 Points

Dougherty Valley High School, CA March 6, 2018 • 6,324 Points

JAYNE LYNCH Quinton High School, OK May 10, 2017 • 1,501 Points

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DIAMOND COACH RECOGNITION

u FIRST DIAMOND u

AMANDA SLOAN

MATTHEW STEWART

CAROL SYLVESTER

Coral Academy Of Science Las Vegas, NV September 25, 2017 • 1,500 Points

Byron Nelson High School, TX September 18, 2018 • 1,500 Points

Rosemount Sr. High School, MN March 3, 2018 • 1,512 Points

u FIRST DIAMOND u

JOSH SYMMONDS

DAVID B. WRIGHT

Northwest Career And Tech Acad, NV September 29, 2018 • 3,361 Points

Riverfield Country Day School, OK November 22, 2016 • 1,500 Points

Does your student have what it takes?

No cost to apply! Coaches, visit our website to access the online nomination form!

www.speechanddebate.org/AAA

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Academic All American Pin

COMMUNITY

THANK YOU! Your support makes the life-changing benefits of speech and debate possible. 2018-2019 School Year Individual Donors

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DOUBLE OCTAFINALIST ($250 - $499)

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You’re Invited! PLEASE CONSIDER THE NSDA’S WILLIAM WOODS TATE, JR., FUND IN YOUR YEAR-END GIVING PLANS. 100% of donations to the Tate Fund will be used to support under-resourced schools attending the National Tournament. To make your tax deductible gift, please visit:

First Time AT NATIONALS Coach Reception XX Sponsored by the generous contributions of the NSDA

staff, NSDA boosters, their friends, and their families

SUNDAY, JUNE 16 | DALLAS, TEXAS 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. If you are a new(er) coach attending the National Tournament for the first time, we hope you’ll join us! Don’t miss one-on-one facetime with the organization’s Board of Directors and senior staff, including Executive Director J. Scott Wunn. You will have an opportunity to ask questions, become oriented to the tournament in a more personal manner, and enjoy the company of other new coaches.

www.speechanddebate.org/donate

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WE ARE TALKING AGAIN

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