Urban Debate Under the Arch

A special screening of "The Great Debaters" on December 20th catalyzed the efforts to bring debate back to St. Louis Public Schools.  The local community, school district, and the NAUDL have been working intensely throughout the winter months to leverage more resources to support urban debate.

In late January, Board of Directors Chair, Lenny Gail, and Senior Regional Program Director, Holly Reiss, met with several leaders within St. Louis Public Schools, and the legal and philanthropic community.  Holly has been returning periodically to build on that momentum and expand the development of interest within the school district and community. 

In February and March, key meetings with all of St. Louis Public High School's principals began the programmatic preparation for a 2008 launch.  Principals learned about the program components and expectations for participation.  Additionally, a debate coach recruitment meeting is scheduled for April to brief teachers on the expectations for coaching and prepare teachers to recruit students for fall in the interim

Holly Reiss reported: "In the main, these meetings did exactly what we had hoped:  They confirmed the solid support of the St. Louis Public Schools, we became much sharper about the local terrain, and we have begun to secure from prominent local individuals commitments to work with us to create the advisory board and to ensure that it meets its financial commitments."

Key local supporter, Paula Knight, who was recently appointed to be the Executive Director of Curriculum of the St. Louis Public Schools, voiced her commitment to urban debate:  "The students in St. Louis Public Schools are capable and deserve the opportunity to reap the benefits of policy debate.  I am very appreciative of the support provided by the NAUDL and the St. Louis community.  By working together, I am confident that we will develop a highly competitive policy debate program."