One of our greatest challenges as forensic educators is communicating what we know to be true: that forensics is an irreplaceable and life-changing experience for everyone who participates.

Whether you are starting a new team, requesting additional support, or trying to save your program, the following resources will help you demonstrate the significance of forensics to community stakeholders.

Making the Case for Forensics This outstanding resource from the National Federation of State High School Associations gives a thorough, research-based defense of competitive speech and debate.

An Investigation into the Relationship Between Participation in Competitive Forensics and Standardized Test Scores Tammie Peters' research affirms the connection between forensics participation and quantifiable gains in writing and literacy. Published in the October 2009 issue of Rostrum.

Pedagogical and Scholastic Arguments for Forensics This five-page document summaries key pedagogical and scholastic impacts of forensics and provides a list of standards in four key areas (English/Language Arts, Social Studies, Information Technology, Communication, and Science) which participation in forensics meets.

Enriching Education This phamplet summarizes the cognitive and academic benefits of forensics, arguing that speech and debate is critical to a well-rounded educational experience.

Assigned Advocacy, Argumentation, and Debate in High School Classrooms This article provides quantitative research which suggests that argumentation and debate in the classroom leads to gains in engagement and participation, skill development, content knowledge, and academic performance.

You Don’t Have to Win Nationals This article talks about the significance of forensics to students, regardless of their level of competitive success. Cognitive, academic, professional, and social benefits are all discussed.

Your School Doesn’t Have to Win Nationals This piece talks about the importance of forensics from a pedagogical perspective. Gains in test scores, content retention, and graduation/college admission rates are presented.

Your Community Doesn’t Have to Win Nationals This piece discusses the importance of forensics on a broad level, covering such topics as emotional maturity, community engagement, political participation, productivity, and quality of life.

Forensics and College Admissions In this article, Yale University professor Minh A. Luong presents data which support the importance of forensics in the college admission and scholarship awarding processes.

A Better Investment Not Found on Wall Street This compelling testimonial from former debater Jonathan Carr explains how forensics taught him discipline and organization, writing and speaking skills, how to think theoretically, and how to deal with adversity. Carr went on to become a Fulbright Scholar at the London School of Economics.

Giving Youth a Voice: The National Forensic League This full-color document explains the mission/vision of the NFL, key benefits of forensics, services to members and coaches, and how to join the League. It provides an excellent introduction to NFL and forensics.

Find Your Voice This student recruitment tool introduces the NFL by providing a brief overview of history, services, events, and awards.

Powerful Preparation in the NJFL This article focuses on the positive impacts of forensics on middle level students. It was originally published in the March 2009 NJFL newsletter.

In Defense of Competitive Speech This essay champions forensics by explaining the significance of communication skills in a democratic society. It also makes a strong argument for the financial support of forensics and likens them to competitive sports.

Do you have a resource that belongs here? Please e-mail it to Jennifer Billman.