Students on Debate Teams Do Better in School

Today’s Drum highlights a new study from Virginia Commonwealth University which demonstrates that African American students who participate on debate teams get better grades:

The new study conducted by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University, examined 2,500 Chicago Public Schools students who participated in at least one debate tournament over a 10-year period, comparing their performance to about 10,000 other African-American students. The researchers found a direct correlation between a student’s level of involvement in debate and academic gains across several measures — including increased college readiness in English and reading. The study is published this month in Howard University’s Journal of Negro Education.

Emerging Research Abstract:

This study examines whether participating in competitive policy debate influences high school completion, academic achievement, and college-readiness for African American male students. The analysis examines data from the Chicago Debate League over a 10-year period from 1997 to 2006. Debate participants were 70% more likely to graduate and three-times less likely to drop out as those who did not participate, even after accounting for 8th grade test scores and GPA. Debater participants were more likely to score at or above the ACT benchmarks for college-readiness in English and Reading, but not in Science or Mathematics, than those who did not participate. While peripheral participation in debate had little impact on academic outcomes, more intense involvement significantly influenced scholastic achievement for young African American students in this urban setting.

Read 10 year retrospect assessment based on Chicago Debate League

More Services