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The MDTA is excited to announce the first annual MDTA Jamboree to be held at Chanhassen High School on September 24th, 2011.  The MDTA Jamboree will feature tracks for Novice, JV and Varsity students in Public Forum, Lincoln-Douglas and Policy debate.  The MDTA Jamboree is more than just a tournament, it will be the kickoff event of the 2011 debate season.

In the Novice track, students will have the opportunity to watch a selected varsity round and then work with coaches and judges after the round to answer questions, show common issues and build skills.  Students will have additional time with coaches and between rounds.  Novice students will complete two rounds of debate in PF and LD.  In policy debate, students will participate in at least one full round.  Students not yet ready to complete a full round of debate, will be broken into groups and allowed to work in small group sessions to participate in contention debate.

In the LD and PF JV and Varsity track, students will participate in five rounds of debate over the course of the day with the opportunity to work with judges in interactive sessions to improve and refine skills.  Policy students will have three rounds of debate.

In addition to student tracks, separate tracks will be provided for new coaches workshop and new judges workshops.

All of the details have not yet been finalized and we are looking for both volunteers and ideas to help make this a successful weekend for both new and returning students.  If you have ideas or would like to volunteer please feel free to reach out.

The MDTA is excited to announce the return of it’s program grants for the 2011-2012 school year.  The MDTA will be offering at least 5 grants with each grant being a minimum of $1000.00.  The final number of grants and total amounts will be determined based upon the total number of applications received.

All Minnesota High Schools are eligible to apply for the grants.  Schools receiving the grants may use the funds to support any costs reasonably associated with the operations of the debate team.  Examples of such costs are: entry fees, supplies, coaching stipends and transportation.  Schools awarded the grants will be expected to participate in at least 5 tournaments during the 2011-12 season, register with the MSHSL and attend a corresponding state tournament/festival.  Exact details of the grant requirements can be found in the attached registration form.

Any school is encouraged to apply for the program grants.  All applications are due by June 1st, 2011.  The MDTA is committed to enhancing and expanding debate throughout the state.  MDTA Members are encouraged to reach out and encourage both new and existing programs in need to apply.

Does plea bargaining undermine the criminal justice system was the topic argued at the first Minnesota Public Forum State Tournament.

Miles Norman and Emily Dallager of Eagan High School defeated Eastview’s Allie Johnson & Steven Albers 5-0 to win the public forum tournament.  Norman and Dallager’s argument of how plea bargaining does not undermines the United States criminal justice system followed nine rounds of debate over two days.

Eagan’s championship will be shared with two other teams that finished in the quarter-final round.  Other quarter-finalists were Eastview and St. Francis.  St. Paul Academy and Summit School finished with both semi-final teams.

Norman and Dallager emerged as champions after two days of debate that included 54 students from 16 schools.