Debate Information and Tryouts
Interested in learning more about the national champion Deal speech and debate team and what it takes to be a member, come to a 30-minute information session on Monday, May 11 at 3:30 p.m in R102. During this meeting, we will go over the tryout sessions, which will occur on May 13, 2026 (for rising 7th graders) and May 14, 2026 (for rising 8th graders), from 3:30-5:00 p.m. Unfortunately, due to the large number of students who typically try out for the team, ONLY these dates for tryouts will be offered for next year's team. The debate team is limited to 7th and 8th-grade students and tends to top out at 35-40 debaters.
What Does It Mean to be a Deal Debater?
Students selected for the team will be placed in advisory with Mr. Stroud, where the bulk of the teaching and learning occurs. Students will be learning aboutPublic Forum and Lincoln-Douglas style debate in the fall and Original Oratory, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Declamation speaking events in the winter and spring.
After school meetings occur for practice rounds and individual teaching/tutoring during the year on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30-5:00 p.m. Students are expected to attend at least two Tuesday sessions prior to participating in each tournament.
Many students will say that joining the debate team is similar to taking an extra class in school. Research shows that students who participate in all aspects of a debate program will experience significant growth in reading and writing scores on most standardized tests. While there is a great deal of research, writing, and debating/discussion done in preparation for each tournament, the end result is a great deal of FUN once actually participating in a debate round.
Are You Ready to Debate?
The following expectations must be met to be a successful member of the debate team:
Students attend all advisory classes AND complete advisory activities appropriate to their grade level.
Students attend Tuesday after-school sessions for individual/team debate practice rounds at least twice a month.
Students agree to attend a minimum of 4 local tournaments during the school year. Most tournaments take place from 8 am - 6 pm on one Saturday per month. Students are required to attend the full duration of each tournament they attend.
Students maintain a B or better grade in all of their core and non-core classes.
Students possess the ability to work independently, in pairs, and in a small group to meet research and writing deadlines.
Parent judges are necessary for debate tournaments to function. Therefore, there is an expectation that parents will volunteer to judge at least two tournaments each year.
We plan to meet with students who are interested in debate on May 11 at 3:30 in R102 for the information session. Tryouts will occur in the same space beginning at 3:30 pm on Wednesday (5/13) and Thursday (5/14).
