ACADEMIC DECATHLON

ABOUT ACADEC:
South High's Academic Decathlon team is linked to the curriculum of the humanities class.  Students use the USAD prepared materials to learn the annual theme curriculum in preparation for team selection in December. Materials are handed out at the end of the school year, with summer assignments and meetings scheduled in anticipation of students having multiple responsibilities in the fall, such as sports and work.
 
We need students of all performance levels.  If your grades do not reflect your abilities, this is the perfect environment for you!  If you want a challenge that will prepare you for the rigors of college academics, then this course is a great way to get your head in the game!  If you want to learn public speaking, get organized and learn how to improve your GPA while being involved in an activity that looks great for college, scholarships, and work applications, then this is the program for you.
 
WHAT IS ACADEMIC DECATHLON?
USAD provides students of all learning levels the opportunity to excel academically through team competition.  The Academic Decathlon is a team competition where students match their intellects with students from other schools.  Students are tested in ten categories:  Art, economics, essay, interview, language and literature, mathematics, music, science, social science and speech.
 
Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded for individual events and total scores.  Winning teams advance through the local, regional and State levels of competition.  The State champions compete at the national finals.
 
Program Description:
The Academic Decathlon is a ten-event scholastic competition for teams of high school students.  Each high school enters a team of nine students:  Three "A" or honor students, three "B" or scholastic students, and three "C" or varsity students.
 
USAD Mission Statement:
The mission of the United States Academic Decathlon is to promote learning and academic excellence among students of varying achievement levels by developing and providing multidisciplinary academic competitions using USAD-based curricula.
 
USAD Vision Statement:
The vision of the United States Academic Decathlon is to provide students the opportunity to excel academically through team competition.
 
USAD Core Values:
As a premier national scholastic competition for high school students, United States Academic Decathlon believes in:
  •    The academic growth of students
  •    Challenging multidisciplinary learning
  •    Teamwork as a means to achieve self-knowledge and life-skills development
  •    Providing equal opportunities for students of varying achievement levels
  •    The inclusion and diversity of students that enrich learning and the human experience
  •    High standards of honesty and integrity
  •    Transparency in our relations and interactions with all of our stakeholders
  •    Excellence in our programs, services and activities
  •    Respect for diverse points of view
For more information, contact the advisor, Ms. Jenna Akin at akin.jenna@tusd.org.