Florida High School High Tech

2017-2018 Speech & Research Contest

Structure and Background Information

The Able Trust Florida High School High Tech Program (HSHT) will sponsor a research and speech contest for its student participants for fiscal year 2018. The contest has three levels of competition: local, regional, and state. The winner of each local contest will compete in a regional competition against other local winners. The winner of each regional contest will advance to the state competition which will be held in June, 2018 at the Able Trust Board of Directors meeting.

The goals of the HSHT Speech Contest are to:

  • Develop research, public speaking, and communication skills of students which are critical to successful employment and self-advocacy; and
  • Introduce students to policy topics relevant to all Floridians.

Qualifications

The Florida HSHT Speech Contest is open to any active, enrolled HSHT student.

2017-2018 Topics

Contestants must choose one topic from the approved list to address in their speech and one-page summary of conclusions/recommendations. Speech topics for 2017-2018 are included as an attachment to this document.

Contest Format

Each HSHT site is encouraged to conduct a contest for interested students. Early promotion of the contest allows some students to use the project in their regular school programs and assignments. Each HSHT site or organization will be responsible for recruiting local judges including a time keeper. Suggested recruits include Business Advisory Council members, other business partners, school administrators, members of civic/professional organizations, community leaders, elected officials, and agency board members. HSHT staff, family members,and other students are not considered qualified judges for the local contests. Local contests must occur by March 31, 2018.

Local sites must adhere to the rules and scoring rubric as outlined below. Sites must notify the Able Trust of local winners by April 5, 2018.

Theregional winnerswill compete for the final award during the Able Trust summer Board of Directors Meeting inJune, 2017. Each student must be present at the state contest in order to compete. A travel and lodging stipend will be provided by the Able Trust to final contestants and one family member/guardian.

Rules

  • Competitors must be an active, enrolled HSHT student.
  • Competitors must select one of the speech topics provided by the Able Trust and address as instructed. If the wild card topic is selected, students must submit a thesis statement (approximately 50 words) to the Able Trust by January 13, 2017 for approval.
  • Competitors must prepare and present the speech personally. No form of video conferencing will be permitted.
  • Competitors are not permitted to use any visual aids such as PowerPoint presentations or posters.
  • Speeches must be 5-10 minutes in length.
  • Competitors may elect to use a manuscript or 3x5 note cards during local, regional, and state competitions.
  • Local, regional, and state judges reserve the right to ask questions, not to exceed 3 minutes per competitor.
  • Site level winners are permitted to make changes to their speech prior to the regional and state competitions, but may not alter basic content or conclusions.
  • Speeches must be an original work of the student.
  • Competitors must prepare and submit a one-page summary of conclusions and/or recommendations for the local, regional, and state competitions.
  • Competitors must adhere to the dress code (outlined below) for local, state, and regional competitions.

Dress Code

  • Competitors should dress in business casual attire at all levels of competition.
  • Business Casual attire for men is defined as trousers or khakis and a shirt with a collar. No jeans. No athletic wear. A necktie is not required.
  • Business Casual attire for women is defined as trousers or knee-length skirt and a blouse or shirt with a collar. No jeans. No athletic wear.

Prizes

Site level competition prizes will be determined locally. For the state competition, the prizes are as follows:

  • First Place: $400
  • Second Place: $200
  • Third Place: $100

Application

Sites may determine application/entry procedures for local competitions. HSHT sites must notify the Able Trust with a list of local participants by January 13, 2018. A list of local site winners must be provided to the Able Trust for participation in the state competition by April5, 2017.

Timelines

January 13, 2018 – List of local participants due to the Able Trust

March 31, 2018 – Deadline for local contests

April 5, 2018 – List of local site winners due to the Able Trust

Late April/Early May, 2018 – Regional competitions

May 19, 2018 – Top Three Contestants Announced

June, 2018 – State Competition, Tallahassee

Scoring Rubric

Student Name: Date: HSHT Site:

Indicators / Strong Evidence that Indicators are Present 5-4pts / Moderate Evidence that Indicators are Present 3-2pts / Little Evidence that Indicators are Present 1-0pts / Points Earned / Weight / Total Score
Oral Communication
Speaking Skills / Appropriate tone is consistent. Speaks at the right pace to be clear. Pronunciation of words is very clear and apparent. / Appropriate tone is usually consistent. Speaks at the right pace most of the time, but shows some nervousness. Pronunciation of words is usually clear, sometimes vague (not disability related). / Has difficulty using an appropriate tone. Pace it too slow/fast; nervous. Pronunciation of words is difficult to understand; unclear (not disability related). / x 10
Command of Audience / Uses power of presentation to engage and captivate the audience with the message of the speech. / Presents speech as mere repeating of facts and speech comes across as report. / Lacks enthusiasm and power to deliver the speech. / x 10
Topic Analysis & Conclusions / Examples are vivid, precise, and clearly explained. Examples are original, logical, and relevant. / Examples are usually concrete, sometimes need clarification. Examples are effective, but need more originality or thought. / Examples are abstract or not clearly defined. Examples are sometimes confusing, leaving the listener with questions. / x 10
Research
Research Evidence / Sufficient evidence that research was completed to support the remarks. / Some evidence that evidence that research was completed to support the remarks. / Little evidence that evidence that research was completed to support the remarks. / x5
Research Reference / References research of findings and conclusions often. / References research of findings and conclusions occasionally. / Few to no references of research. / x5
Non-Verbal Communication
Attention / Eye contact consistently used as an effective connection. Consistently looks at audience. / Eye contact is mostly effective and consistent (not disability related). / Eye contact does not always allow connection with the speaker (not disability related). / x5
Mannerisms & Gestures / Does not have distracting mannerisms that affect effectiveness. Gestures are purposeful and effective. / Sometimes has distracting mannerisms that pull from the presentation (not disability related). Usually uses purposeful gestures. / Has mannerisms that pull from effectiveness of the speech (not disability related). Occasionally gestures are used effectively. / x5
Poise / Is well poised and in control at all times. / Poised and in control most of the time; rarely loses composure / Isn’t always well poised. Sometimes seems to lose composure. / x5
Gross Total Points
Extra Points for Poise During Q&A Segment w/ Judges (up to 5 points)
Time Deduction (5 points per 30 seconds over/under time)
Net Total Points
Rank

Attachment #1: 2017-2018 Speech & Research Contest – Topic Options

Students must select one and address as instructed

  1. Goals of High School

There are often conflicting views among policymakers and education leaders about the goals of the American high school system. Some believe that the purpose of high school is solely to prepare students for college. Others believe that the high school experience is intended for broader purposes which include preparing students for meaningful life in the 21st century; to be a good citizen; to be economically self-sufficient; and to be respectful of themselves and others. What do you believe is the goal(s) of high school? What changes must be made to the existing system to ensure this/these goals are met? Please provide appropriate details with supporting research for your position.

  1. My Career Goal

One of the goals of the High School High Tech Program (HSHT) is to improve participation in education and vocational-related activities leading to increased employment opportunities for students with disabilities. These activities provide insight into various careers, professions, and educational pathways; exposure to different work environments; expanding professional networks and contacts; and an opportunity to reflect on personal career interests and skills.

What career are you interested in pursuing? Why does this career interest you? What career experiences have you had in HSHT that helped you explore this career? Research your chosen career to determine:

  • The tasks/duties involved;
  • Education and training required;
  • Potential salary and growth; and
  • Availability of this career in your local area or whether relocation will be required.

If possible, interview someone who is currently working in this career and share their insights.

  1. Student Choice

Students may choose a topic to present on which they find interesting or are passionate about. The topic must be relevant to a current event or area of concern in Florida. Examples of areas students may select are environment, job development, education and quality of life. Students selecting this area must send their topic choice and short thesis statement (approximately 50 words) to The Able Trust in advance of their local competition for approval.

As with the other prompts, students must do relevant research to provide sound recommendations and areas for improvement.

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