USAD National Academic Decathlon Website www.usad.org

TexasAD: Texas Acadmeic Decathlon Website www.txacadec.com

* P.I.S.D. is not responsible for the contents of external sites or servers linked to this site*

The United States Academic Decathlon, the premier academic competition in the United States, provides high school students an opportunity to experience the challenges of rigorous academic competition through participation in team activities.  It provides team competition where students match their intellects with students from other schools. All team members are tested in ten categories: Art, Economics, Essay, Interview, Language and Literature, Mathematics, Music, Science, Social Science, and Speech. Each high school enters a team of nine students: 3 "A" or Honor students, 3 "B" or Scholastic students, and 3 "C" or Varsity students. (Grade averages are based on the student’s two previous years and include only academic subjects.) Gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded for both individual events and total team scores.

Winning teams advance through the local, regional, and state levels of competition. The state champions compete at the national finals. Scholarship money is awarded at the national and state competitions.  College admissions counselors attend state and national meets looking for prospective students to recruit.

The Academic Decathlon program is probably the single strongest preparation tool for success on the SAT, PSAT, and AP exams. The program teaches students to think in a multi-curricular approach and to look for connections. Our coaches teach students to think critically and communicate verbally.  Students prepare to write at a level required for success not only on college entrance exams but also later in college. The speech and interview events require students to learn to address the public and speak with professionals in a manner needed for college and later for professional interviews.

The Coaches:

Rex Howard, M.S.

• Biology, AP Biology, and Anatomy and Physiology teacher
• Biology associate professor at CCCC
• 4th year as Academic Decathlon Coach
• Bachelor’s in Biology
• Master’s in Biology

Jan Molepske, M. Ed.
 

• English teacher
• 5th year as Academic Decathlon coach
• Bachelor’s in Historical Studies
• Master's in English Education

IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTORS TO THE SUCCESS OF THE AC/DEC TEAM:

• Principal Karen McDonald - #1 Fan
• Julie Meek – Economics Coach
  Brandon Pedigo – Music Coach
  Vincent Frost -- Art Coach
• Kathy Witcher - Essay Coach
• LaRell Bissett - Language & Literature Coach
• Doris Kottwitz - Math Coach
• Richard Kincaid - Speech Coach
• Jeff Gasaway - Interview Coach