School systems with debate programs benefit through improved test scores in the critical areas of literacy and communication. Inside the classroom, vocal debaters create critical dialogue on assigned topics and relevant debate research. Equally important, debaters serve an important role model function with their peers through an increased passion for learning, lower absenteeism, better academic performance, and higher college enrollment. Further, research has shown that debaters learn to resolve disagreements constructively.
Urban Debate Programs can have a fundamental impact on the curriculum of participating schools. An Argumentation and Debate course is offered at almost half of the schools in the Urban Debate Network. Curricular Debate, a methodology that incorporates formal debating throughout the regular curriculum, is offered in several districts. Urban debate is highly efficient and cost-effective as an out-of-school-time program. A full academic season costs under $750 per student served, compared with an industry average of nearly $1,500.
