Mount Dora Middle and South Lake High schools are among 60 schools statewide chosen to participate in the first phase of the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative, part of an effort announced by Gov. Ron DeSantis in January to elevate civic knowledge, civic skills and civic disposition through speech and debate.
“The Florida Civics and Debate Initiative will allow thousands of students across our state to not only learn about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, but also give them the confidence to succeed academically and in life,” DeSantis said in a press release from his office. “I commend students and educators across Florida for making civic literacy a priority. Our state is making great strides to reach our goal to be number one in the nation for civic literacy and education.”
The first phase of the initiative consists of 60 schools in 28 school districts, with the goal of expanding into all Florida school districts by 2023. This will increase access for all students to participate in speech and debate programs, regardless of where they live, socio-economic status or background. Debate takes the traditional approach of learning civics – typically students simply gaining knowledge and understanding of our government’s structures – and elevates it by simulating important real-world constitutional, legal and societal issues and conducting critical analyses of both sides.
“The Florida Civics and Debate Initiative is a terrific opportunity for Florida students to have full lives, advocate for themselves and become active in their local community, our state and the nation,” Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran said in the governor’s press release. “My greatest appreciation to the Marcus Foundation for their generous funding to support civics and debate in Florida schools.”
The state received a multi-year, $5 million grant from the foundation for the civics initiative.
Each participating school will receive funding support to start their debate teams, including money to offset educational resources, tournament transportation, coach stipends and membership in the National Speech and Debate Association.
Public input on the civics standards is encouraged through an online survey platform accessible athttps://www.floridacivicsreview.org/. This online platform provides all stakeholders with open access to participate in the review process until Aug. 5. Stakeholders are required to provide user information before providing input.
For more information about the civics review, visit http://www.fldoe.org/civicsreview.
For more information about the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative, including a full list of participating schools, visit www.floridaeducationfoundation.org/fcdi
