“American society has failed to consistently create circumstances in which learning and maturation are supported in ways that are welcoming and engaging, making young people want to work hard, commit themselves, sustain healthy communication, and come back for more.” Philip Yenawine
Our Principles for Education Reform
We know the keys to success in urban debate. To balance local customization with national consistency, ALOUD partners adhere to these principles.
Building Literacy & Research Skills Debate serves as a gateway to expand vocabulary recognition, acquaint students with library resources, increase reading comprehension, improve writing skills and develop the basic skills of argumentation.
Fostering Critical ThinkingDebaters will switch sides on the resolution to gain insights into their opposition’s claims and deepen their refutation. Event participation will broaden their vision of the world and unlock the opportunities within it.
Affirming An Academic Work Ethic Educators will create benchmarks and awards that acknowledge work and not simply performance. Students gain focus and orient towards specific goals. Programs commit to high expectations but recognize the intermediate steps it takes to achieve excellence and garner systemic change.
Valuing Higher Education Through scholarships, summer institutes, and university partnerships, urban debate makes college matriculation a reality for more students. Students who attend college earn more than their peers who do not and have more options after graduation.
Supporting Success for Diverse Learners Debate serves as an avenue for language development for ESL, Special Education, and Behavioral Disorder students to excel and to share in the common interests of hard work and intellectual and civic engagement.
Promoting Youth Voices Partners will give students the tools to express new, innovative ideas, legitimize differing perspectives and promote the value of effective listening on the part of students and adults. Students will learn the value of disagreeing in a civil manner and push for politicians and others to embrace civic discourse.
Enriching Public Education Partners will employ student-centered pedagogy as they use debate to increase rigor and meet high academic standards in all content areas. Coaching will invigorate disillusioned teachers and empower those new to the profession through debate. Debate will also serve as a pipeline for future teachers.
Embracing Technology Debate builds digital literacy and self-guided research skills on the internet. Educators will use technology to create access for more students and foster debates that build mutual understanding locally and globally.
Instilling Personal Responsibility Partners will take steps to eliminate victimhood as an excuse for poor performance. Students will take responsibility for their achievements and shortfalls, resolve conflicts peacefully and strive to make healthier choices. Alumni give back to the program and serve as role models .
Strengthening Civic Engagement Educators will help debaters become informed citizens who participate in the political process and engage in community service. Debate unites young people with their families and working professionals when they serve as judges, guest speakers, volunteers and mentors.
Cultivating a Generation of Change Agents Teachers will encourage students to use debate to move beyond the classroom. Students begin to reflect on issues facing their communities and recognize their individual roles and responsibilities in finding real solutions.
This is our message to urban students:
Your Voice. Your Future. Debate.
