DSM Hoover Husky Howler
2023 — Des Moines, IA/US
Judging Calibration
JUDGES’ CALIBRATION STEPS 1- MindsetHigh School = Learning Mindset → improvement-focused, teen-appropriate, inclusive language
Learn About / Refresh Your Understanding → the category you’re assigned to judge & key “look fors”...we make it easy! No Googling required – see resources section
Reflect & Check Your Biases → judge performances, not people
2-Ballots: FIRST Wins & Points
Choose pro / con, rank speakers, assign points.
Review your choices.
Don't take points from things students' can't control (tech issues, appearance, unanticipated walk-ins, etc.) or perceptions that may stem from implicit bias.
Review again.
Be confident in your choices.
3-Submit Timely ballot submission keeps tournaments on time. Timeline: Immediately = In the first 5-10 minutes after the round finishesPaper Ballots = Turn in to Tab or Student Helpers; Online = Push the Button
4-THEN-FeedbackMust Do: Reason for Decision → What were you looking for? What won the round for you, and why?
Can Do: Oral Feedback. Constructive comments for individual teams and / or speakers. Revise.
Timeline: Ballot comments can be entered until the end of the tournament.
Please do not hold up the entire tournament putting in comments before submitting your points.