Debate OrientationJane Boyd

The Great Debaters

• “Debate is combat and words are your weapons”.

» Melvin Tolsen» The Great Debaters

Director - Ms. Jane G. Boyd, M.Ed.

• Room: 615• Email: jane.boyd@gcisd.net (best method

of contact)

• Phone: (817) 251-5248

• Cell phone: 214-641-9549

• Responsibilities:

• Directs program

• Teaches Debate

• Teaches Professional Communication

Description -

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

Course description

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

information

• Varsity Debate– Fine tunes and develops advanced debate

skills in the division of their choice as well as extemporaneous speaking.

• Contest Preparation

Competition and Practice

• Tournament Participation– Debate I –5 tournaments between September and

February 9– You may attend more for extra credit – the more you do the

more you will improve.

– Varsity Debate –10 tournaments between September and February 9

• Practices – – –Policy Debate and Public Forum – Tuesday

from 4:00-6:30– - Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Congressional

DebateThursday, 4:00-630– No appointments on practice day!

Rules and Expectations

- Respect and Responsibility are required.

• Practices and tournament participation mandatory. PLEASE BE ON TIME FOR PRACTICE AND DON’T LEAVE EARLY.

• Novices Must work 6 hours for novice and the• Varsity ENTIRE tournament at Grapevine Classic

September 11-12.

**Students must also recruit 3 time slots of judges for community friendly debate/public speaking rounds.

Judge forms due September 3

Class Expectations

• Students will try their hardest every day.• Tardy policy will be enforced.• Show respect for person speaking.• Bring materials daily.• Complete Assignments on Time.

• Follow Rules of the Debate Team.• Students will participate in all fund raising

events

Grading Policy

• NOVICE• Tournament Participation – 10%

– Plan accordingly with family

• Practice Attendance – 20%– Don’t make appointments on practice days.

• Class assignments and Daily work – 70%

Grading Policy

• Varsity

• Tournament Participation – 30%– Plan accordingly with family

• Practice Attendance – 30%– Don’t make appointments on practice days.

• Class assignments and Daily work – 40%

No Pass No Play

• Students must be passing ALL classes to participate in Debate tournaments

– Help Keep grades up• Please make sure student has Less time on

Facebook, Twitter, or World of Warcraft than on homework and debate work.

Materials needed

• Materials need for Debate 1• For Daily Class (have here by tomorrow & every day

you’re a debater at GHS)– Flash drive (minimum 2 GB)– Several pens (multiple colors) VERY FINE point.(.05

point)– 1 box of Kleenex brand tissue (or equivalent quality)– 1 digital timer – Ms. Boyd will be ordering some for

$10– A laptop is strongly suggested (NOT an IPAD)– Binder with dividers with pockets

Varsity Materials

• For Daily Class (have here by tomorrow & every day you’re a debater at GHS)– Flash drive (minimum 2 GB)– Several pens (multiple colors) VERY FINE point.(.05

point)– 1 digital timer – Ms. Boyd will be ordering some for

$10– A laptop is Mandatory (NOT an IPAD)

Key Team Rules

• GCISD rules apply even on tournaments• Debaters responsible for all financial obligations in a timely manner

– Local Tournament fee - $30 due Wed PRIOR to the tournament. – Overnight and out of state tournaments – Students pay room,

board, air and ground transportation. School will pay entry and judge fee as well as the coach expenses.

• Transportation – At most tournaments parents will be responsible for transportation to and from the tournament. If numbers or distance indicate need – we will use a school bus (RARE)

• CARPOOL!• Must stay for whole tournament –

– If student MUST leave on a rare basis – a note from the parent requesting permission must be to Ms. Boyd by WED., PRIOR to the tournament.

Team Rules and Expectations – con’t

• Follow Dress Code Guidelines– Must Stay dressed until after awards.– Business Professional

• Men – Dress shirt, dress pants, tie, dark socks, dress shoes, and a suit jacket or sports coat.

• Women – Dress, skirt with nice blouse, Pant Suit (must have jacket that goes with it),Dress suit, appropriate professional shoes.

– (flats for between rounds need to match the outfit)

• **Dress for success!

Team Rules and Expectations - cont

• Watch elimination rounds.– If students are not debating they will be

watching and learning from those who are in those rounds until ALL Grapevine students are eliminated.

– Support team mates.

Acronyms

• TFA – Texas Forensic Association• UIL – University Scholastic League• NSDA – National Speech and Debate

Association• TOC – Tournament of Champions• CX – Cross Examination Debate

• (Policy Debate)

• LD –Lincoln Douglas Debate• Extemp – Extemporaneous Speaking• PFD – Public Forum Debate• Congress – Congressional Debate

Forms

 Volunteer Information Release.

www.gcisd-k12.orgPull down parents

Volunteer background check

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

•  

Forms Continued

• Certificate of Understanding of rules and consequences.

• Positive pledge. Membership must be renewed each year.

• Medical Information/Independent Travel Permission Form. Must be completed annually.