Why Your School Should Participate in the LVDL
In addition to all of the support structures built in for LVDL participant schools, the case for students participating in debate is nearly undeniable. A litany of anecdotal evidence about the power of debate is backed up by peer-reviewed scientific data that demonstrates that participating in policy debate can change students, can change schools, and can change lives.
Studies
This 2012 study by Mezuk studying 10 years of data from students participating in the Chicago urban debate league illustrates the impact that participating in policy debate can have on student achievement, GPA, readiness for college, and standardized test scores.
And this compelling video by our friends at Georgia State University details the findings of several studies on the Atlanta Urban Debate League.
Testimonials
Here is what a few of our current participant students have to say about the LVDL and how it has helped them:
“The LVDL has taught me that there are multiple ways to approach any problem and there are also multiple solutions. The LVDL has made it easy to learn more about policy debate.”
Jada Stinett, Junior, Palo Verde High School
“The LVDL has connected me to the debaters from other schools, and it has made high school policy much friendlier to novices… Since LVDL has connected the district, when we go to national tournaments we ‘Run as One!’”
Jake Wier, Senior, Canyon Springs High School
“The LVDL has helped prepare me for law school by improving my ability to critically analyze my opponent’s arguments and to respond effectively. It’s increased my confidence, my public speaking skills, and will definitely benefit me in the future.”
Phylaktis Demetriou, Sophomore, Green Valley High School
“Policy debate in the LVDL has been extremely helpful with school projects… My public speaking skills have benefitted, as has my understanding of the world today.”
John Villanueva, Sophomore, Canyon Springs High School
