Congressional Debate is a public speaking competition in which current events (foreign affairs, public welfare, economics) are debated, simulating a real legislative session in Washington D.C. or Springfield. Students write legislation, research 15 topics each month, and debate with other area high schools. The team participates in state and national tournaments: five ICDA Conference tournaments (local), the ICDA State Tournament, and two National Forensic League Tournaments (NFL; The Glenbrooks and Harvard). Congressional Debate is a learning experience in analytical reasoning, research, public speaking, negotiation, parliamentary procedure, and current events.Students practice twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school, and the student board meets before school on Tuesdays with the Head Coach. ICDA Conference tournaments take place once per month on Saturdays, September - February. The Glenbrooks Tournament takes place on a Saturday and Sunday in mid-November and the Harvard Tournament takes place Friday - Monday in Boston over the President's’ Day holiday.The assistant coach is responsible for judging at ICDA tournaments, one National Forensics League tournament, and individual and group coaching.
