Making the Case for Student Debate Leagues: Boston youths hone skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and communication.

The article explores the advantages of student debate leagues in Boston, specifically focusing on their ability to enhance public speaking, critical thinking, and communication skills. A study conducted by the University of Virginia and Harvard reveals that Boston Public School students who participate in policy debate experience improved academic performance, including higher English language arts scores, increased graduation rates, and enrollment in four-year colleges and universities. The Boston Debate League (BDL) supports debate teams in Boston Public Schools, particularly those with low-income students of color who may lack the resources to form their own debate teams. The BDL strives to create an inclusive debate culture that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and academic levels. The article also features personal testimonies from participants, highlighting the positive impact of debate on individual students. The BDL organizes tournaments and provides opportunities for students to compete, learn, and receive feedback from judges and opponents. Overall, the article emphasizes the benefits of debate participation for students in Boston, including improved self-confidence, critical thinking abilities, and academic performance, as well as the sense of community and personal growth fostered by debate. [Extracted from the article]

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