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Academic & Social-Emotional Benefits

Speech is an activity that accepts all kinds of students and embraces differences and disabilities and celebrates them.

Jennifer Kieran

Speech Coach, Ellsworth HS; 2017 New Coach Award Honoree

Completing the educational process through activities, students learn teamwork, fair play, self-discipline, self-confidence, and how to handle competitive situations

Karissa Niehoff portrait

Dr. Karissa Niehoff

Executive Director, National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)

Completing the educational process through activities, students learn teamwork, fair play, self-discipline, self-confidence, and how to handle competitive situations.

Dr. Kay Neal

Professor Emeritus, UW-Oshkosh; former WISDAA Debate Advisor

Interscholastic academic/performing arts sports, such as One-Act Theatre, Speech, Debate, and Film, should be supported by schools much in the same way they support athletics. Moreover, these academic sports can be sustained at a fraction of the cost of athletics through local and state contests of the WISDAA. 

NSDA

According to the National Speech & Debate Association, schools who offer programming report:

  • Increased attendance
  • Higher test scores
  • Rise in college acceptance
  • Unique benefits for at-risk students
  • Reduced drop-out rates

The Wisconsin State Legislature passed a joint resolution recognizing March 3, 2017 as National Speech and Debate Education Day, thanks to our friends at the National Speech & Debate Association (formerly National Forensic League).

Advocacy Resources: National Partner Organizations

Publication Resources