I could give you a lot of reasons for why your school should have debate as a centerpiece for it's advanced language arts or English program, but the article below from The Wilmington Star News is probably the best case for it. If that doesn't sell you, I only ask that you take a moment out and read what I wrote for the TPT page Preview. I PROMISE you, I will be there for you in every way imaginable if you take this on (... short of coming to your school. I'm a North Carolina teacher and funding