Published Online in:
Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis
October 24, 2023

Beth Schueler, University of Virginia
Katherine Larned, Harvard University

Few interventions reduce inequality in reading achievement, let alone higher order skills, among adolescents. We study policy debate—an extracurricular activity focused on improving middle and high schoolers’ literacy, critical thinking, argumentation, and policy analysis skills—in schools serving large concentrations of economically-disadvantaged students of color (2008-2017). Student fixed effects estimates with districtwide administrative data show positive debate impacts on ELA test scores of 0.13 SD, equivalent to 68% of a year of average 9th grade learning. Gains were concentrated on analytical more than rote subskills. We find no harm to math, attendance, or disciplinary records, and evidence of positive effects on high school graduation and postsecondary enrollment. Impacts were largest among students who were lowest achieving prior to debate.

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Read the press release: "Study: School Debate Programs Linked to Improvements in Academic Achievement, Graduation Rates, and College Enrollment"

Video: Study co-author Beth Schueler discusses major findings and implications

Study citation: Schueler, B., & Larned, K. (2023). Interscholastic policy debate promotes critical thinking and college-going: Evidence from Boston Public Schools. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis. Prepublished October 24, 2023. http://doi.org/10.3102/01623737231200234

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