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   In 2016 IEW partnered with the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association to develop The NCFCA Comprehensive Guide to Speech, a highly effective speech curriculum for middle and high school students, but the organization’s roots go back much further. Initially it was started by Dr. Mike Farris of HSLDA and his daughter Christy in 1997 with the intention of creating opportunities for homeschooled students to learn about policy debate and put their knowledge into action through league participation. By 2001 the league had grown to such an extent that it became its own organization and claimed the name by which it is now known. Its mission is to teach kids â€Å"to address life issues from a biblical worldview in a manner that glorifies God.† NCFCA continues to grow. It is presently the third largest speech and debate league in the United States and hosts around sixty qualifying tournaments, held around the country. The organization proudly stands apart from other similar organizations. Focusing on real-world communication while at the same time encouraging godly debate over divisive ideas, NCFCA is a breath of fresh air in the midst of our country’s tumultuous political and cultural clashes as it seeks to maintain civility in discourse. This is why we are so pleased to announce the newest product to NCFCA’s lineup: NCFCA’s Comprehensive Guide to Policy Debate. In this curriculum students learn how to debate both affirmative and negative sides of a topic. In doing so, they must dive in deeply to learn about both sides of the issue. Students learn how to write briefs against cases their opponents may run, practice debating against a variety of cases, and write their own affirmative case. Throughout the course they learn to ask relevant questions and respond appropriately, graciously, and professionally. You may wonder which course a student should begin first: speech or debate? The choice is entirely up to you. You can begin with whichever course captures your student’s interest the most, or even better, dive in with both feet and work through them both simultaneously. Doing them concurrently allows students to actively apply what they are learning and may even inspire them to further explore subject areas independently such as economics, government, political philosophy, writing, history, and social studies. Both curriculums, NCFCA’s Comprehensive Guide to Speech and NCFCA’s Comprehensive Guide to Policy Debate, are resources that you will continue to use through many years. Similar to Teaching Writing: Structure and Style, they will continue to guide you through all your years of speech and debate. While it isn’t a requirement that students join the NCFCA organization in order to work through the curriculum, it really enhances the experience and is a great way to get involved and have fun. You can learn more about clubs near you by visiting www.NCFCA.org or emailing their office at Office@NCFCA.org.