Speech Competition- Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Student Government Day Program

Speech Competition

Student Governor - Speech Competition

The Student Government Day (SGD) Team has been asked to conduct a speech competition from which they will select a student to act as Governor on April 6th. If selected, the Student Governor will give his/her speech during the event to the Joint Convention of the Senate and House. The competition is open to student designees only; submissions from alternates will not be accepted. Only one student will be selected to serve as student governor. If your student is interested in being selected for this role, please have him/her write a speech that meets the following requirements:

Topic:

In June 2018, the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will vote whether to adopt an updated version of the History Social Studies Framework. The last time these standards were revised was in 2003. The proposed revisions include focusing on civic education, and challenging students to deepen their understanding of history, geography, and economics. In part, the proposal reads:

"Throughout their pre-kindergarten to high school years, students must become aware that "government of the people, by the people, for the people is not just a historical phrase from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, but an ideal that must be renewed and reinvigorated by each succeeding generation."

In a speech to your peers, discuss ways that you and fellow students from across the Commonwealth can strengthen youth civic engagement to advance the mission of the proposed curriculum framework.

Criteria

The speech needs to be non-partisan and no more than 3 minutes. The speech should be double-spaced, typed, and include the date, student's name, student advisors' name and school. Submissions will be reviewed based on originality of ideas, organization of ideas, and overall understanding of the topic.

Deadline for Submission

Please submit the speech to studentgovday@doe.mass.edu by 3:00 pm on Tuesday, February 27, 2018. The selected student's advisor will be notified by Tuesday, March 6, 2018 by e-mail.

Dress Code

Please keep in mind that proper respect for one's colleagues and for our institutions is an important part of the culture of government. Please note that appropriate dress for the day consists of business attire, including proper footwear. Appropriate men's attire includes a collared shirt and tie. Sport coats and/or suits with dress shoes are preferred for both men and women. Attire such as jeans, T shirts, sneakers, sandals, and flip flops are not considered appropriate.

Last Updated: January 24, 2018