Space Coast High, Stone Magnet Selected to Participate in Florida’s Civics and Debate Initiative

By  //  July 11, 2020

The first phase of the initiative consists of 60 schools in 28 school districts

Governor Ron DeSantis and Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran announced 60 schools, representing 28 districts in Florida, were chosen to participate in the first phase of the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative. (Gov. DeSantis image)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Governor Ron DeSantis and Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran announced 60 schools, representing 28 districts in Florida, were chosen to participate in the first phase of the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative.

Brevard County is home to two of those selected schools, Stone Magnet Middle School and Space Coast Jr./Sr. High.

On January 27, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the multi-year, $5 million grant from the Marcus Foundation, Inc., to elevate civic knowledge, civic skills and civic disposition for middle and high school students 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,” said Governor DeSantis.

“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. The 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.

Additionally, Florida’s B.E.S.T. Standards arm Florida educators with the tools they need to ensure all Florida students receive a quality civic education.

The Florida Department of Education is preparing for a civics standards review in the 2020-2021 school year.

For more information about the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative, CLICK HERE.

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