“As a student debater, I learned the important disciplines of research, critical thinking, and persuasion, and I have applied them throughout my career.” –Michael J. Critelli
What is Our Solution?
ALOUD has developed Winning Links, a robust, three-pronged research-based methodology operated through our national network. All work tirelessly to ensure that disenfranchised students are given educational opportunities in three settings: competitions, classrooms, and communities. Winning Links couples the traditional competitive debate model with debates in the community and in the classroom. Throughout the year, students debate a resolution focused on a current national or international controversy at tournaments. These competitive activities are supplemented with college access programs, leadership instruction and community debates on lofty issues ranging from Iraq to AIDS. Not only do non-debaters from the schools participate, these debates involve experts in the field, the general public and take place in non-traditional venues like shopping malls, religious establishments and prisons. With expert guidance, participants bring those experiences back into the classroom with face-to-face as well as webcast curricular debates that marry technology with the interactive debate format to connect students in Austin, Texas to kids in Moscow, New York and Hong Kong.
As a result, urban debate appeals not only to those who like competition but also to young people who wish to become change agents in their communities and use their voice to make a difference. The result is an integrated debate learning system that positions ALOUD as the national model of debate services for at-risk communities.These proven methods help students become lifelong learners and bridge the school readiness gap. Whitney and thousands like her help address America's education crisis through Winning Links.
Debate is highly flexible. Students, administrators and educators can choose topics, formats and competitive structures that match their pedagogical objectives. ALOUD’s Winning Links can be deployed incrementally, starting with one class or school and then spreading debate throughout a district.
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A University of Missouri study concluded that debaters increase their literacy by up to 25% more than non-debaters in a single year.
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This is our message to urban students:
Your Voice. Your Future. Debate.