Debate in the Classroom and
the National High School Debate Topic

Adopting a Dress Code
Students understand the complexity of the implementation of public policy matters. They will actively discuss the issue and through inquiry and interaction; they will defend the major points for and against an instituted dress code in front of a jury of their peers.

Classroom Debate Rubric
This rubric uses five criteria.

Debate Central from the National Center for Policy Analysis
Support for a variety of debate topics.

Debate Rubric
Suggestions for evaluating debate.

Debatepedia
A good source of information about debat topics. This site is a wiki project of the International Debate Education Association (IDEA) and Georgetown University students and alumni.

Debates in the Classroom
Several suggestions for literature-based debate in the classroom.

Effective Speaking in a Debate
Students confront and deal with stage fright.

Four Corner Debate
This activity includes possible debate topics for all grade levels.

How to Hold a Class Debate
Step-by-step instructions with practical tips and a rubric.

In Your Opinion: Are Athletes Heroes?
This activity for grades 6-12 includes links to "Introduction to the Debate Process" and "Debate Rules."

It's Up for Debate!
Five ideas for incorporating debate into the classroom.

National Forensic League Home Page
Links to debate topic, Stennis Student Congress resolution, National Junior Forensic League, and NFL services including Rostrum magazine.

Using Fairy Tales to Debate Ethics
Designed for grades K-8, this lesson uses "Jack and the Beanstalk," "Puss in Boots," and Tibetan folk tale "From the Elephant Pit" to get kids thinking about and discussing ethical issues.