Debate has long been an educational and competitive outlet in academic circles, but it has only recently permeated the homeschool environment. Cross-Examination and Lincoln-Douglas debate have met success in the homeschool arena, yet there was still a need for something more. Those styles appeal to future lawyers, speakers, researchers and politicians, but have little draw for the everyday student, particularly at the grade school and junior high levels.
In the fall of 2000, the dream of launching Parliamentary Debate in the homeschool community finally came true. I am absolutely amazed at what God has done with this program so far. I cannot wait to see where He takes it from here. It's been an exciting road with a promise of an exciting future!
P.S.A.L.T. STATEMENT OF FAITH and VALUES
The Homeschool Community is diverse! Homeschool families are members of all faith communities and different value systems. All members of P.S.A.L.T. are asked to respect the faith of the instructor and one another as explained in this Statement of Faith.
Mission and Preface of Policies:
Today's society constantly forces us to question, defend, or compromise our beliefs. We are regularly bombarded with false messages and ill-supported ideas. The mission of this debate team is to learn how to identify logical fallacies, how to logically analyze and support one's own positions, and how to clearly and articulately present ideas in a positive way.
Cooperation, good sportsmanship, and the ability to give and receive constructive criticism will be emphasized. Respect toward oneself as well as classmates, the instructor, judges, competitors, and others is the best way to establish credibility and success as a speaker.
All students will be required to adhere to the Code of Conduct at all times, during both class time and tournaments. Consequences for violating the code of conduct will be determined by the instructor and with the parent. These may include asking the student to leave class. The instructor reserves the right to refuse admittance to anyone without explanation.
The President and Teacher:
Kristina Light is founder and President of P.S.A.L.T. She authored the curriculum, "Parliamentary Debate and Speech for the Homeschool Student." She directs all speech and debate tournaments and teaches the speech and debate classes.
It is asked that families understand and respect her faith when agreeing to participate in this program.
Kristina Light's Statement of Faith and Accountability:
I am honored to teach homeschool students and realize that with that privilege comes a responsibility. This is a homeschool program, and as such, it is to be a supplementary resource and blessing to the curriculum and lessons you, as parents, are teaching at home. Further, I am ever-conscious of the burden to re-enforce the Christ-like attitudes and actions you are teaching in your own homes. I am far more concerned with teaching positive character in a competitive environment, than in teaching debate. Debate is the outlet whereby we learn persuasion, team work, listening, cooperation, sportsmanship, etc.
I recognize my burden to be accountable to you and what you teach your children. I recognize that I am not given the right to contradict your values and beliefs as presented to your children. However, I do speak my faith and do share my values when teaching and I will not compromise my own beliefs in order to adopt those of another or appease anyone else.
My passion for the kids, and my desire to facilitate the best possible learning situation for them, is not without a foundation and resource. My energy and desires are directly a result of my faith and walk with Jesus Christ. I do not keep my beliefs a secret, nor is my testimony private. The ever-present reminder to follow Christ's examples and teachings will not be ignored.
I am a Christian. I know I am a sinner, and that sin separates us from God. No matter what I do, I cannot ever cleanse myself of my own sins, that is achieved only by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. I believe God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross and rise again in three days, paying the penalty for my sins, because it was not possible that I could ever pay them. I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior and have accepted His forgiveness and salvation which is freely offered.
As a Christian, I believe that the Bible (sixty-six books, Genesis through Revelations) is the divine and inspired word of God. I believe that it is completely true. I believe God created the heavens and the earth in six days with one day set aside for rest, exactly as recounted in Genesis. I believe He sent His son, Jesus Christ, as our Savior (John 3:16). I believe Jesus came to earth in the flesh, was born of the virgin Mary, had a ministry on this earth, and was crucified on the cross, to rise again in three days, paying the penalty of the sins of all mankind that we might be saved and have eternal life. I believe in heaven and I believe in hell. I believe in prayer as our direct communication with the Lord, and I believe in the Holy Spirit as our counselor and comforter on earth.
I also believe the scripture is clear in what we must do to someday reside in heaven with our Lord (Romans 10:9-10).
CODE OF CONDUCT:
This program is founded by a Christian instructor on Christian principles. All students, regardless of faith, will be REQUIRED to follow the Code of Conduct in order to participate in this program. Students are encouraged to measure their actions against the following test:
The Ten Point Test:
Judged by the Content of My Character
Character is the way you behave when no one is looking...
1) Would I behave this way in front of Jesus Christ?
If the answer is no, change your actions until it becomes a yes.
2) Would I behave this way in front of my parents?
If the answer is no, change your actions until it becomes a yes.
3) Would I behave this way in front of my teacher?
If the answer is no, change your actions until it becomes a yes.
4) Is this a good representation of Christ?
If the answer is no, change your actions until it becomes a yes.
5) Is this a good representation of my family? Homeschoolers? Myself? My friends?
If the answer is no, change your actions until it becomes a yes.
6) Am I treating others the way I want to be treated?
If the answer is no, change your actions until it becomes a yes.
7) If another person heard my words would they be hurt?
If the answer is yes, change your actions until it becomes a no.
8) Is this the way Christ would want me to behave?
If the answer is no, change your actions until it becomes a yes.
9) Are my actions selfless or selfish?
If the answer is selfish, change your actions until it becomes selfless.
10) Will my actions build someone up or tear someone down?
If the answer is tear down, change your actions until it becomes a build up.
CLASS RULES and REQUIREMENTS:
- Demonstrate Good Sportsmanship at all times
- Criticism must be CONSTRUCTIVE only (see handout)
- Have a willing spirit to accept a fair and honest critique to improve one's skill
- Listen and pay attention during class time, don't interrupt- wait your turn to speak
- Cooperate with one's partner (in debate)
- Treat others as you wish to be treated.
- Be respectful
- No dishonesty
- No foul language
- No public displays of affection
- No chewing gum
Class Requirements:
- Arrive on time
- Call Instructor if you will be absent (illness, family emergency, etc.)
- Turn in Assignments on time
- Follow rules of debate
- Content of Speech Topics must be morally acceptable and approved by the instructor
- Participation in all three tournaments is expected (communicate with Instructor)
DRESS CODE
In Class:
Girls: Knee length or longer skirts, jeans and slacks, capris and overalls are acceptable. No shorts, sleeveless, low cut, or extremely tight shirts. No bare midriff, please.
Boys: Jeans or slacks are acceptable. Please, no sleeveless shirts or shorts.
Classes & Tournaments:
Competitors are expected to dress professionally. Boys should wear a shirt, tie and slacks, (sports coat optional though preferable). Girls should wear nice skirts or slacks and blouses. Leaving a positive, respectful, and professional impression with one's judge is important and will impact one's presentation and success.
LOCATION:
- Treat Class Location respectfully at all times.
- Arrive on time and leave on time.
- Clean up behind yourself.
- Treat furniture and fixtures respectfully.
- Take full responsibility for any damage to property.
- Don't wander or explore the home or building, enter only the classrooms we're using.
- Walk don't run, be quiet.
TOURNAMENTS, ASSIGNMENTS and CURRICULUM:
- All students agree to respect and accept homework requirements (point deductions listed on syllabus are to be accepted without argument)
- All Tournaments will open in Prayer. Special events and classes will often include prayer. The instructor will lead prayers or permit other students, as they are willing. No one will be required to lead prayer.
- Advanced Students (Adv. I. -2nd semester will be required and Adv. II - 3rd semester may choose) may participate in Impromptu speaking. They may either participate in Proverbs (from the KJV Bible) or Poor Richard's Almanac (quotations from Benjamin Franklin). Parents will sign an agreement selecting the assignment for their child. Parents will understand that their child may be audience to speeches related someone else's faith and will respect that.
- All Students are expected to participate in Tournaments and notify the Instructor of conflicts.
- All Students will use the curriculum, "Parliamentary Debate and Speech for the Homeschool Student" by Kristina Lyn Light. This textbook does include scriptural references, from the King James Version Bible, and is available at local libraries or upon request for Parents to preview.
- Because this class welcomes all homeschool students, regardless of faith and beliefs, your children may hear speeches or become friends with families whose beliefs are not identical to your own. Please seize this as a learning opportunity for your family.
Kristina is very approachable and willing to listen to your concerns and comments at any time. If you ever have concerns about anything within the program, please do not hesitate to bring them to her attention immediately. In doing so, please respect the privacy of other families and keep all matters confidential with the Instructor for the sake of all involved.
Email: kristina@psalt.com
