Disclosure Document Debate

Miss Lowe, Room 205

Debate is a valuable skill that will help a student for a lifetime. In this class, students will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of public speaking and have opportunity to engage in competitive and presentation events.

This year, students will learn how to debate public policy, values, and speak in organized forums. Students will participate in a student congress, spontaneous debates, well-prepared debates and individual presentations. Students will also have the option of competing for a spot on our school debate team, if desired. Research and organizational techniques will be taught and utilized.

It is expected that students will actively participate. Students will need to develop research skills, writing skills and organization. This is a great opportunity for students to work with partners for a common goal, as each student will learn team-debating skills. Students will also fill the important role of being an audience member and judge, sharing critiques and learning from each other’s examples. It is expected that professional, courteous behavior be the rule. If students are unwilling to speak in front of a group, this is not the right class.

Each assignment will be given a point value. A large number of points are received by speaking in class. Other points are received though assignments, research, quizzes, tests and other assessments. The overall grade is based on the percentage received. The scale is as follows:

A 100% - 94% A- 93% - 90% B+ 89% - 87%

B 86% - 84% B- 83% - 80% C+ 79% - 77%

C 76% - 74% C- 73% - 70% D+ 69% - 67%

D 66% - 64% D- 63% - 60% F Below 60%

The most common citizenship grade I give is an S, meaning satisfactory. To achieve an honors level of citizenship, a student must be well behaved, follow the rules, be on-time, not speak out of turn, and stay on-task. A student must also show respect for all in the class. If a student demonstrates a lack of good classroom behavior and/or more than two unexcused absences, the citizenship grade will either be an N, meaning the student needs improvement, or in extreme cases, a U, signifying unsatisfactory.

Attendance and tardies will be dealt with according to school policies. Your attendance affects your daily participation points and will affect your grade. Students need to make up the work from excused absences. A student will need to meet with me to determine whether points from unexcused absences can be made up. Most of the work done in class cannot be easily replicated outside of school. Please be in class whenever possible.

Debate involves a good deal of research and time. It is expected that students will prepare cases and research topics on their own. To be successful, a student will be looking for facts wherever they may be found. Detailed information will be sent home as circumstances require. Students will also have to prepare speeches. While some time will be given in class, the student will need to practice and work at home to be polished.

The main focus for debate is chosen every year by the National Energy Foundation, and as such, deals with an environmental topic every year. We receive the topic as soon as it has been decided. The state debate topic may be found at the NEF web site, which is:

http://www.nef1.org/debate/

Daily topics and spontaneous debates are either chosen by the class or by me. I try to use topics of interest to the students, ones that are pertinent and timely. Often I consult outside sources for debate ideas, especially past high school topics.

Students need to have paper and a pen or pencil daily. Students must also have a journal, preferably a spiral notebook, but loose paper will suffice. I may be reached 1/2 hour before and after school via telephone. I can also be reached via e-mail at debra.lowe@jordan.k12.ut.us. Please keep in touch. I’ll send home more information as it becomes necessary. Best wishes for a successful semester!

Warm regards,

Debra Lowe

Student name: __________________________________________________________

Class Period _____________

What strengths have you noticed in your child? _________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

How may I best reach you? (List all that apply)

By phone

Work Number _____________________________

Home Number _____________________________

By e-mail

Address __________________________________

By mail

Address __________________________________

I have reviewed the disclosure document with my child. I understand its contents, including how controversy and differing opinions are a necessary part of debate. I am interested in working together for my child’s success:

I have read the disclosure document and agree to follow the rules of the debate class.

Please sign this document and return within the first week of school. Thank you.