Aren’t teenagers supposed to be self-absorbed, apathetic, and so preoccupied with their own digital worlds that they ignore the real one? Not the teenagers involved in ASAP’s Philadelphia Scholastic Debate League! And especially not the team at Science Leadership Academy (SLA).
In Room 504, the home of the SLA debate team, a group of juniors and seniors gather for their regular debate practice. Friendly disputes erupt over the most mundane matters, and every question prompts a chorus of responses. This band of self-described “arguers” have transformed their aggressive talking into an impressive oratorical résumé, including a recent first place finish at the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn for Youth Debate citywide tournament for Seniors Chris Cassise and Andre Serrano, a trip to the famous Bronx Science High School in New York City for a regional tournament, and their most recent title, champions of ASAP’s Philadelphia Scholastic Debate League.
One debater, senior Dominque Miller, participated in a debate camp that took place at the King’s Academy in Jordan. Miller describes her experience in Jordan as eye-opening, saying, “I know it’s a cliché, but [the trip] showed me that I’m like kids from around the country, that we have so much in common. I loved it.”
The team’s success prompted club leader and SLA history teacher Diana Laufenberg to team with Principal Chris Lehmann to offer debate as a half credit elective course. The close-knit group that seems two parts honors English and one part “Glee” meets twice a week in Laufenberg’s room.
Laufenberg adopted the debate team three years ago, taking a team of four and growing it into a 16-student class. Laufenberg had no prior debate experience, but like her argumentative charges, she has a history of “bickering profusely with anyone I’ve ever known.”
Laufenberg sees debate as a great academic tool that encourages swift thinking, “There are very few tasks that force kids to have their mind work quickly.” Laufenberg adds that debate encourages students to do responsible and penetrating research, channel their emotions rationally, and see both sides of a given issue.
Principal Lehmann says that debate harmonizes perfectly with the school’s five core values: inquiry, research, collaboration, presentation and reflection. “The debate program gives the students the confidence that they can make an argument now, that they can take a strong stand...it’s such a natural fit for SLA.”
The students believe debate gives them a more balanced view of the world. “You have to learn to put bias aside,” says Senior Rumman Haq, “I feel like I can argue both sides even if I disagree.”
Senior Marshall Johnston says that he can now “see where others are coming from.” And Junior Rashuan Williams said, “When you argue, you have an emotional attachment, when you debate you have more emotional content.”
Senior Cassise appreciates the research component, noting that debate “changes an argument into an educated discussion.”
“Debate allows you to look at things from a much wider perspective,” says Senior Christine Walden, “It has provided a means for being informed beyond just reading the most recent New York Times article.” The students believe that their participation in debate has heightened their interest in current events. Williams says, “If it’s something I want to know and it comes up on the news I will spend two hours going through the process of researching it.”
This kind of rampant curiosity distinguishes the SLA debaters from their peers, providing a much-needed antidote for the disengaged teens portrayed in the media. Miller exclaims, “I like talking about the Middle East peace process and health care...”
Her mention of health care sparks another heated side discussion. Senior Narcissa Haskins muses, “This would make a great topic…”
Let the debating begin.
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