Congress
Learn key skills & attitudes for Congressional Debate/Student Congress/Model Congress
Congressional Debate models the lawmaking process in a democratic society. Our unique workshop exposes students to key skills and attitudes needed in both competitive Congressional Debate/Student Congress, as well as Model Congress.
Our focus is fostering students’ sustained growth and improvement, not just preparing for the next competition. This happens in an innovative, fun, and safe atmosphere that encourages students to reach beyond their potential. Respected and experienced classroom teachers employ layer-in skills methodically to ensure mastery, complemented by reflective learning, and personal goal setting. This is augmented with extensive use of technology, including video capture of practice speeches, as well as individualized attention and personal development. We convey knowledge, build skills, and foster a disposition that emphasizes leadership over mere competitiveness.
Level: All Levels
This program is appropriate for students in any with several years or no experience. Veteran classroom teachers differentiate instruction as needed, based on experience level and understanding of politics and government. Students can opt into being considered for our advanced workshop. Learn More!
Summer 2020 Sessions:
Session 1: Sunday June 28, 2020 through Friday July 10, 2020
Tuition:
Commuter: $2,199
Resident: $3,299
Student Testimonials:
“I loved the intensiveness of it. I was thrilled to find that this wouldn’t be a walk in the park, and that it was intellectually stimulating.”
“It was well worth the money for the opportunity to meet some of the best at congressional debate.”
“I honestly learned more about Congress and related topics in 10 days than I have in months at my school. It is a very entertaining and informative camp and I would definitely come back.”
“I love how the experience was personalized. For example, my main problem in Congress was my lack of extemporaneous speaking, eye contact, and refutation – basically, I was accustomed to reciting mostly prepared speeches. Within a few days, we were doing so many speeches that I was both encouraged and forced to change.”
About Program
Philosophy
We empower students to become critical thinkers, collaborative decision-makers, and ethical leaders while cultivating a unique style to set them apart from other debaters.
Sample Schedule
Morning: Lecture: Congressional Economics
Late Morning: Legislation, Authorships
After Lunch: Questioning and Answering
Mid-Afternoon: Squad Management
Late Afternoon: Parli. Procedure/Presiding
After Dinner: Prep Time & Speeches
Hear From Our Students
Two Options
Standard or Advanced
Standard
This program is designed for students going into the 9th or 10th grade with 0-2 years of experience in Congress, or who have experience in other forms of debate, but not in Congress. Focus of the program will be on solidifying foundational knowledge and skills to be successful in Congressional Debate or Model Congress.
Advanced
This program is for students going into the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade with experience who have demonstrated considerable or consistent success in competition, and are looking to stand out with deeper content, stronger delivery, and more memorability each round. Focus will be on honing skills to research more efficiently, devise higher level argumentation, write speeches quicker, refute decisively, and stand out in a room as a leader. Practice will be intense, breaking bad habits and forging effective ones. Students must apply for consideration of acceptance to this program.
Learning Objectives
Current Events
Theory
Argumentation
Parlimentary Procedure
Ethics and Leadership
Faculty
Adam J. Jacobi
Curriculum Coordinator
High School/College Debate Experience: Participated in speech, debate, and Model UN in high school; moot court in college.
Victoria Beard
Instructor
Ms. Beard has been Director of Forensics at Spring Woods HS, Houston, TX, for 14 years, and has taught there for 37. In 2019, she coached the NSDA National Champion in Congressional Debate – House. She also has coached state champions (Texas Forensic Association and University Interscholastic League), and her students have been finalists at prestigious tournaments, including NSDA, Harvard, and the Tournament of Champions. Ms. Beard has a Bachelor’s in Speech and Theatre and a Master’s in Theatre. She was selected as Educator of the Year for the Texas Speech and Communication Association (2013) and teaches courses annually at the TSCA conference. She was also selected as Spring Woods’ Teacher of The Year (2013) and as Spring Branch ISD Teacher of the Year finalist (2013). This is her 12th year as the UIL Academic Coordinator for Spring Woods High School and she serves on the NSDA Committee for the Space City Chapter.
Years Previously Taught at other workshops: For the past 9 years, organized and taught a speech and debate summer camp for Spring Branch ISD high schools in Houston.
High School/College Debate Experience: competed 2 years in high school; 4 years in college
Joshua Wurzman
Instructor
Mr. Wurzman has been an educator and speech and debate coach for 12 years, including at Success Academy HS in New York, NY; Southlake Carroll HS (TX); Spring HS (TX); and KUGNUS ACTS. He holds a Master’s in Education Policy from Columbia University Teachers College, and a BS in Government and Political Science from the University of Texas at Austin. He has taught AP Government and AP Economics.
High School/College Debate Experience:
Plano Senior-Finalist Extemp (TFA/UIL), RD 14 NFL PFD 2005
Indiana University
Other Relevant Info: Earned NSDA Diamond (2017).
Register for 2020
Applications open October 15th and are due by February 29th, 2020.