Debater's Need to Write to be Right: Basic Supplies Needed
Help me give my students the tools, such as basic school supplies, timers, and a camera, to capture the most memorable moments that will propel them to the next level of performance when debating.
This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
The students in my school are from middle class and lower-income households and put their best foot forward when it comes to debate. As my team eagerly prepares to compete in the Atlanta Urban Debate Leagues' tournaments, each year we struggle with securing the supplies needed to be prepared to compete. Our team is filled with talented students, who can go far when given the tools needed for success.
Once a month from September to March, my students get up early on a Saturday and travel to schools all over Metro Atlanta to compete in the Atlanta Urban Debate League's Tournament.
They are dedicated and determined to become masterful in debate, but are at a disadvantage because they lack supplies.
The basic supplies needed to prepare for and participate in competitions can be costly and are not funded by the school. We ask the students and parents to secure these items when joining the team but the cost of AUDL membership which the team must pay, often outweighs the desire to purchase the other necessary materials needed for competition. The team needs to have free access to pens, paper, post it's and other basic items in order to be victorious.
My Project
Once a month students gather together to participate in four rounds of debate with the Atlanta Urban Debate League. During these tournaments, students develop debate strategies, strengthen their critical thinking, critical writing, and conflict resolution skills. Often my students fail to come to practices and competitions prepared with the basic tools needed for success. Not having the needed evidence packet and updates printed out, a pen to write with, a notebook and a binder to write in and store information put my kids at a disadvantage during competition. There are just so many supplies that the kids need, it is impossible for us to be successful when they are all on different playing fields at school during practice and during our monthly competitions.
We want our kids to stay engaged and be successful; the fact is that students who participate in the Urban Debate League debates attend school more frequently, improve their GPA's and decreased risky behaviors along with a substantial increase in reading and literacy.
These students also can have the opportunity to earn scholarships for debate in college. Students who participate in debate also tend to go on to some of the top universities in the nation. Providing these students with the tools needed for success will not only help them be successful, but it will also allow them to feel proud and unashamed when they are facing their opponents with fancy computers and other resources during competitions.
Kodak PIXPRO Friendly Zoom FZ43 - digital camera
• Best Buy Education
$68.32
1
$68.32
Digital Kitchen Timer, TuoPulife Simultaneous Cooking Timing Countdown Up Pocket Timer, Large Led Display, Loud Alarm, Memory Stopwatch Function, Magnetic Back (Battery included) (2 Pack)
• Amazon Business
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Robertson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
