Grade 7 Students Debate Solutions to the Gender Wage Gap

The gender wage gap in the United States was the topic of a lively debate among eight St. Margaret’s Middle School students, who weighed the issue and potential solutions with the student body looking on.

The resolution was “The U.S. government should take steps to eliminate the gender wage gap.” The grade 7 students debated the merits of the topic, citing previous legislation, what other countries do differently, the root cause of a gender wage gap and researched-backed speculation on different outcomes based on different actions.

Debating for the affirmative was Kaitlin Tam (constructor), Sophie Spaulding (cross-examiner), Audrey Harrington (rebuttal) and Celeste Windes (rejoinder). Debating for the negative was Sophia Karahalios (constructor), Devin Thomas (cross-examiner), Alex Kenny (rebuttal) and Tina Mai (rejoinder).

The final debate was the culminating activity for a comprehensive research unit in grade 7 English, where students learn research, non-fiction reading strategies, writing and public speaking skills. The entire grade 7 class works for an extended period of time researching and formulating points and counterpoints to be debated in class. From there, eight students are chosen based on in-class performance to participate in a final debate in front of the entire Middle School on the Hurlbut Theater stage.

 

“In reading about this topic, students learned about the structure, purpose and intervention options of U.S. government, as well as reading about social issues related to gender, race and the economy,” said grade 7 English teacher Christie McMahon, who taught the unit and organized the final debate. Director of Library Services Darla Magana also played an instrumental role in implementing and teaching the unit, using her expertise as a research librarian and Middle School debate coach to aid the students.

The arguments of the negative team ended up victorious, based on the judging of Head of School Will Moseley, Director of Finance Teri Shams and former St. Margaret’s faculty member and current San Clemente city councilmember Lori Donchak.