CURRICULAR DEBATE

Research on Debate Across the Cirriculum

Research on Computer Assisted Debate

Literacy and the ability to motivate students to learn are two of the greatest challenges facing our public education system. The ŇNo Child Left BehindÓ Act has uncovered millions of students across the nation who cannot read at their grade level, are not on track to graduate or have simply dropped out of the system all together. Without adequate curricular development, the students in poor schools will fall well short of expectations. Based on studies of different forms of testing University of Iowa Psychology professor David Lohman warns "Kids that donŐt have access to preferred curriculum, who donŐt go to good schools, arenŐt going to do as wellÉ." (The New SAT, District Administration Magazine January 2004). Pilot curriculum projects in urban areas that engage students in interactive learning and provide skills for sustainable improvements are a vital aspect of closing this gap.

Debate is a critical teaching tool in removing barriers to learning by opening pathways for the forgotten youth in today's classrooms. CBS's 60 Minutes reported that debate helps students improve grades, stay in school and receive scholarships to college. Debating can improve academic performance by making class information personally relevant to students while enhancing retention and understanding of class material.

With tougher standards and universal testing, the central question of how to engage and motivate students remains. Without an integrated and systematic solution, our nation's workforce, the future of the economy and large segments of our urban centers will be at risk.

TESTED applies academic debate to different disciplines as a resource for teachers. By using Debate Across the Curriculum in math, science and other subjects, teachers infuse the experience of urban youth with an interactive curricular tool bringing the course materials to life. TESTED provides a path for debate to reach millions of young people.