This elective is available to all 8th grade students who have a high interest in acquiring sophisticated techniques in debate and in developing public speaking skills.  As students learn varied methods to express points of view, they will gain important, lifetime skills in writing, persuasive speech, and formal debate. 

Activities:

Class Participation:

Effective class participation is based on your ability to be prepared for class and to arrive to class on time.  In addition, class participation is also determined by your note listening skills, questioning skills, and your ability to speak clearly, intelligently, and thoughtfully.

Actions considered inappropriate class participation include arriving to class late and unprepared, speaking out of turn, chitchatting with friends during a lecture or class discussion, passing and writing personal notes, and disrespecting class members by not listening to them when they speak. 

Grading:

Your grade will be determined by the following factors:

Written speeches/debates, audience participation, & classwork

*** I do not give grades, students earn grades.  Marking period grades are based on the combined total average of the categories above.  

Supply List: 

 *Mask, hand sanitizer, tissues, laptop computer & headphones 

Class Rules:

All school rules and procedures listed in the student agenda will be followed and enforced in class.