Debate

Debate combines the best of reading, writing, critical thinking, and public speaking—putting these skills on full display. At Calhoun Middle School, students have the opportunity to participate in tournament policy debate through the Atlanta Urban Debate League.

CMS Debate season begins in September and runs to the end of March. CMS Debate will have practice every Thursday from 3:30 - 5:00 and have tournaments one Saturday a month. Those tournaments are all day events where we leave the school at 6:30 AM and return between 5:00 - 5:30 PM. Students can win up to two medals per tournament. Students will need transportation to and from the school on tournament days and transportation home on practice days. CMS Debate does conduct one fundraiser a year in the fall to help earn money for debate team t-shirts and lunch for students on tournament days. 

The 2025-2026 topic is: 
The United States federal government should significantly increase its exploration and/or development of the Arctic.

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CMS Debate Coach
Jacey Lawson
Email Jacey Lawson

Debate Expectations

Debate students are expected to develop and practice the following skills:

  • Reading: Complete a set number of pages within a set time (debates are scripted).

  • Answering Questions: Respond confidently to questions from competitors.

  • Creating Questions: Develop thoughtful questions to ask opponents.

  • Rebuttals: Prepare and deliver effective rebuttals.

  • Note-Taking (“Flowing”): Take organized notes on competitors’ arguments while they are speaking.

We work on these skills together during practice; however, it is expected that students also practice independently at home in addition to our scheduled practice times.