At SUDL, we know there can be significant barriers to starting a debate team. That’s why we’ve created a framework for developing new programs.
Our core five services help guide your school along its journey toward a thriving a debate program.
Schools selected through our application process are eligible for any or all of these services, free of charge (we’re grant-funded).
- Student Recruitment Assistance:
- We assist in designing flyers and other promotional materials
- We set up a SUDL information booth on-site to engage with students during lunch or after school.
- Live Demonstration:
- We organize a live speech and debate demonstration at your school, held in an auditorium or classroom, featuring current SUDL debaters.
- Students, parents, and administrators get to see the benefits of the activity.
- Professional Development for Teachers:
- We offer training sessions for teachers interested in learning how to coach speech and debate.
- Teachers gain the necessary tools and resources to sustain the program independently, even if our external coaches are unavailable.
- Comprehensive School Review:
- In-Depth Assessment: Our team will visit your campus to conduct a thorough review of your school’s resources, schedule, and student interests. We meet with key stakeholders—administrators, staff, and teachers—and survey staff and students to gather insights. This review provides a detailed assessment that highlights the opportunities and challenges of implementing a speech and debate program at your school.
- Tailored Recommendations: Based on our findings, we will provide a report with tailored recommendations, which can then be used as a foundation for further action, such as implementing our Turn Key Speech & Debate Transition Service.
- Turn Key Speech & Debate Transition Service:
- Turn Key Debate is SUDL’s flagship service.
- There’s a lot of details on this one, so it has its own special page here.