About Us
Created in 2007, the MDL has begun a new direction for the 2011-2012 school year. MDL is governed by a Board of Directors of local leaders. The Milwaukee Debate League’s programming is unique among the city’s after-school and other youth development programs in that it targets high school students and blends competition and fun with rigorous academic work. While many programs aim only to keep teens safe and occupied in the afternoon, debate provides an engaging, educational opportunity that actively cultivates social and academic skills. The MDL uses policy debate in a variety of ways to reach a broad spectrum of students, from those already highly achieving to those who are off-track academically and at risk of dropping out.
Our initiatives include:
Citywide Tournaments
The centerpieces of the MDL are seven citywide debate tournaments held throughout the school year. A MDL debate tournament is a rigorous, intense academic competition that can last up to eight hours. In teams of two, MDL students argue for and against public policy proposals on issues ranging from science to economics to politics and government. For many students, tournaments are rare opportunities to connect intellectually with their peers, and to have their ideas about important issues considered seriously by adults. Such an experience has a powerful effect on a student’s self-esteem and interest in education.
After School Program
In each participating high school, teachers run after school practices for a minimum of two hours per week, training students to compete against other teams.
Summer Debate Institute
Each summer, the Milwaukee Debate League organizes a free debate institute to prepare students for the upcoming season and provide professional development for teachers. The summer program is supplemented by student and teacher training seminars throughout the school year.
Coach Training
To help teachers become more effective debate coaches, the Milwaukee Debate League provides professional development and technical support, based on best practices compiled from across the National Urban Debate League network. The League Director runs practices at member schools to model effective teaching, develops curriculum, and works with teachers individually to help them hone their craft.
