87R23760 BK-D
 
  By: Crockett H.R. No. 1434
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, The Dallas Urban Debate Alliance is a nonprofit
  organization that is dedicated to providing Dallas ISD students
  from all backgrounds with the opportunity to expand their
  intellectual horizons by participating in debate; and
         WHEREAS, The Dallas Urban Debate Alliance was formed in 2007,
  at a time when few public high school students in Dallas had access
  to competitive policy debate programming; with support from the
  National Association for Urban Debate Leagues, several individuals
  with debate experience were recruited to be part of the new
  organization; over the years, the Dallas Urban Debate Alliance has
  expanded to dozens of high schools and middle schools, where it
  serves more than 1,000 students; and
         WHEREAS, Through the program, participants learn to conduct
  in-depth research and to prepare arguments on complex policy
  topics, and they are able to put their skills to the test at
  tournaments; in 2015, two Dallas Urban Debate Alliance teams
  received national recognition by advancing to the octofinal and
  semifinal rounds at the Urban Debate National Championship, an
  event that was attended by over 50 teams from around the country;
  and
         WHEREAS, Students receive free materials and training from
  some of the top coaches in the area, who in turn are provided with
  supplies, continued curriculum support, and professional
  development; those who excel in the program can earn scholarships
  to attend camps at institutions such as The University of Texas at
  Austin, the University of North Texas, the University of
  California, Berkeley, Georgetown University, and Dartmouth
  College; in addition, students enjoy many other benefits from
  taking part in debate, including dramatically improved graduation
  rates; studies have shown that student debaters also have higher
  literacy scores and grade-point averages, and they perform better
  on the reading and English sections of college readiness exams; and
         WHEREAS, By helping young people to hone important
  analytical, rhetorical, and research skills, the Dallas Urban
  Debate Alliance is empowering students to achieve their full
  academic potential and become engaged citizens and leaders in their
  communities; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
  Legislature hereby honor the Dallas Urban Debate Alliance and
  extend sincere best wishes to all those involved in this worthwhile
  program; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for the group as an expression of high regard by the Texas
  House of Representatives.