Reviving a Brooklyn Middle School with Debate: An Inspiring Story

In Brooklyn's Middle School 50, the energetic atmosphere is palpable as Principal Benjamin Honoroff and his students get ready to greet the new day. A decade back, the scene was starkly different.

Back then, the school had earned a troubling reputation, being categorized as persistently dangerous. Drastic drops in enrollment were evident as numbers plummeted from over a thousand to merely 160 students, Honoroff recounted.

Inspired by his previous role as a high school debate coach, Honoroff decided to take a bold approach. He integrated debate into every classroom and expanded the school's debate team, letting one-third of the student body engage, with a select group representing the school in tournaments.

For seventh grader Aria Rana, participating in debates has significantly enhanced her academic skills.

"Being on the debate team has noticeably improved my language and writing skills," Rana observed.

Debate now threads through subjects, even math.

"In solving a ratio problem, for instance, students might choose between using a ratio table or a double number line. The true advantage comes when they articulate their math reasoning, enriching their understanding," Honoroff explained.

The strategy proved successful. Within a short span, not only did test scores skyrocket, but student enrollment increased significantly, and the debate team began clinching victories. While English proficiency rates soared to 60%, math proficiency hit an impressive 70%, according to Honoroff.

Students Erick Williams and Anedwin Moran initially tasted victory at the state level.

"Our early experiences gave us a head start in tournaments," Williams remarked.

Last June, these eighth graders triumphed at the nation's biggest middle school policy debate tournament, winning the championship.

"I felt ecstatic, almost unable to comprehend our win," Moran shared.

Williams recalled, "Grasping the magnitude of our accomplishment took me back to when I was a sixth grader, not even part of the debate team. It definitely was a journey worth embarking on."

This remarkable journey stemmed from a principal's unwavering belief in the power of debate.

"There's profound pride in our school serving as a community beacon. It's inspiring to hear from locals reminiscing about their time here and urging us to continue the tradition," Honoroff stated.