Boston Debate League’s Post

New from Beth Schueler and Katherine E. Larned: Read full article at https://lnkd.in/eJHehprq In a stereotypical image of a high-school debate tournament, straight-A students compete to see which renowned prep school team comes out on top. Increasingly, this is no longer the case: in recent decades, nonprofit organizations have been working to expand access to debate in public school systems that serve large concentrations of low-income students and students of color. More than 10,000 students from 20 cities participated in debate tournaments last year, according to the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues. That includes the Boston Debate League, which was founded in 2005 to “develop critical thinkers ready for college, career, and engagement with the world around them.” The league supports teachers to launch and coach debate teams and runs monthly after-school debates for middle- and high-school students, among other initiatives (see “Making the Case for Student Debate Leagues,” features). While the immediate virtues of debate are easy to spot—teenagers research real-world topics, practice public speaking, and use evidence in support of their arguments—we wanted to know whether that translates into better academic achievement and attainment. Does participation in formal debate programs improve student outcomes?

We know first-hand what is most important and needed for students who look like us: in our classrooms, in our policies, and in our communities. EdLoC member, 2023 Boulder Fund Recipient, and CEO and Founder of Diversity in Leadership Institute Dr. Laura M. recently shared a piece on EdSource advocating for continued investment in teacher diversity recruitment and retention. Amid fiscal challenges in California's education system, the need for diverse representation in classrooms remains paramount. Research shows students thrive when taught by educators who reflect their backgrounds. It's time for school districts to prioritize teacher diversity to ensure all students feel seen and supported. As we commend the local and state initiatives driving teacher diversity, transparency, and community engagement remain crucial for sustained progress. Fiscal uncertainties shouldn't deter leaders from upholding commitments to teacher diversity. Continued investment in these efforts is vital for building a brighter future for California's diverse student population. Read Dr. Laura McGowan-Robinson's full article: https://shorturl.at/oswKL #WeAreEdLoC

https://lnkd.in/esqmtuEt Dr. Chaka Felder-McEntire, excellent work! Yvonne Renee Davis of #DAVISIntelligence was pleased to support your Equity in Education Summit with the media. Over 150 actively participated in Connecticut’s first Educational Equity Conference at the Canal Boat Dock in New Haven this past Saturday morning. The conference examined the state of education for underserved students of color heading to college in the fall and the future. Dr. Chaka Felder-McEntire, HIGHER HEIGHTS YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS INC, hosted the summit. Students presented a study to ask for a case mandate to increase school partnerships with community-based health organizations to address the mental health issues of minority students. Students who attended and helped to lead the summit reported that 34% percent of minority/Black students had attempted suicide. Some of the other outcomes included: 1. Requesting a student body for advocacy is created at the state level. Strengthen broadband connectivity. 2. Although broadband connectivity is free or low cost, it still needs to be higher and faster and must be improved. 3. Hire more teachers who are diverse and identify with the student body of minority-dominated students. 4. Enforce more teacher-connected accountability with students by becoming more relatable.  5. Teachers need to represent the students they teach. These students only see Black people as janitors, security guards as cafeteria and service workers. This dynamic must change. 6. Although the C.R.O.W.N. is a law, it still needs more enforcement regarding policies and students in athletics. Students of color are still being penalized for their hairstyle. There were mighty leaders in the room. Most importantly, the students were in an entire room. #CongresswomanRosaDeLauro, Congresswoman eLauroJahana Hayes, State Senator Gary Winfield, State Representative Corey P. Paris, State Treasurer Erick Russell, Amber Moye, #DeloresGarciaBlocker, Teach For America Connecticut, David Ferreira, Ed.D., Kalila Hines Winters, MA, for the Biden Administration, Secretary of Education, Dr. Dakibu Muley, LMSW, David Hopkins, CEO, Urban League of Greater Hartford, #DrCamilleCooper, NAACP Greater New Haven Branch, #DrJamesMartinez

In nearly 20 years - I’ve personally worked in schools in Pittsburgh, Chicago (city and suburbs), San Francisco, and the North Bay of San Francisco. One thing is consistently true - our schools are systemically and historically segregated - racially and socio-economically. Overwhelmingly, Black and Latino/a students attend schools that abhorrently under-resourced in every aspect - staffing, educational resources, enrichment opportunities, safety, and basic best practices. Meanwhile, their predominantly white peers at neighboring school districts benefit, learn, and grow with ample opportunities and resources (and of course funding from various sources including active parent associations filling the gaps). I’ve dedicated the majority of my work to bridging access to the arts and creativity for systemically marginalized communities — here is the part where I tell you all the data that points to the arts as a catalyst for increasing student opportunity and potential —— I believe that AND it’s not enough. Our SYSTEMS need significant and sweeping change. 70 years since #BrownvsBoardofEducation…but our education and socioeconomic policies continue to uphold systems that are hurting families and students. This OpEd resonated with my tired arts advocate heart. Our work helps - but we are swimming against currents and tides that need more sweeping change in direction. If you’re out there - and work in this space - let’s keep working toward sweeping change. I believe it can happen. #education #hope #artseducation

ICYDK: It's #CollegeCompletionDay! 🎓🎓🎓 We're joining Third Way and fellow advocates to elevate the need for evidence-based #college completion strategies and increased investment and support of programs proven to increase #StudentSuccess. 📄 Learn here how our #HigherEd team is shaping public policy to help students successfully navigate to—and through—education beyond high school: https://lnkd.in/e2pfZgVS

How can the lessons from Brown vs Board guide us in constructing an education system that ensures access, participation, and progress for every learner? 🔍 Unraveling the Connections: Brown vs Board marked a pivotal moment in history, dismantling legal segregation in schools. Today, as we advocate for educational equity, it's imperative to consider how we can construct an inclusive environment that reflects the principles of access, participation, and progress for each student. 💭 Your Insights Matter: As educators, your experiences and perspectives are invaluable. What actionable strategies can we derive from the legacy of Brown vs Board to advance the cause of educational equity today? 🤝 Tag a Colleague: Feel free to tag a colleague whose perspective you value. Let's foster a community of educators committed to constructing an equitable future in education. Join us on February 22nd for our Meeting the Moment Topic Series: The Brown Decision. Registration is now open! In this half-day professional learning session, educators will explore how the Brown decision from history affected schooling and still influences our work today. This session offers valuable insights for both experienced equity-focused educators and those new to the idea of educational justice. Through discussions and personal reflections, we'll celebrate the impact of this historic civil rights moment while also considering its unintended effects that still shape our education system. When: Feb 22 2024 - 1:00pm to 4:30pm ET Where: Virtual Link to register: https://lnkd.in/eQ4s7BPk #EducationEquity #InclusiveEducation #EquitableClassrooms #EducationalJustice #AccessToEducation #ProgressForAll #EquitableFuture #BrownVsBoard #ConstructingEquity

More narratives like this need to be highlighted!

How would you respond to: How do we protect our democracy and the future of our students as participants in it? Check out Elizabeth Alvarez, Ph.D. response in this month's issue of The Stories We Tell and share your own response!

Did you see today's #BeyondTransfer piece in Inside Higher Ed? Lindsay Daugherty, Jenna Kramer, Elaine W. Leigh, Ph.D., and Jonah Kushner of RAND share lessons learned when higher education leaders and legislators in Ohio (Nikki Wearly and Holly Hall) came together to simplify the process of earning credit for learning outside the classroom by establishing a standardized, statewide approach. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ekMkgJYf

#ICYMI: Get an inside look on the recent Youth in Government Seminar, featuring students from Spring Mills Middle School, Martinsburg North Middle School, Musselman Middle School, Hedgesville Middle School, and Mountain Ridge Middle School in this article from The Journal: https://lnkd.in/eys-snQ2