Quick look: OCDE is set to host virtual orientations this September for new coaches interested in forming Academic Decathlon or Academic Pentathlon teams, offering guidance on recruiting students and gearing up for the upcoming season.
Every year, secondary students test their knowledge across multiple subjects by competing in team-based academic contests — the Academic Decathlon for high schoolers and the Academic Pentathlon for middle schoolers.
To support teachers and educators eager to start their own teams, OCDE will host a series of new coach orientations this month. The virtual sessions are designed to welcome incoming coaches, provide strategies for recruiting team members and offer guidance on preparing for the competitions.
The Academic Decathlon coach orientation will take place Thursday, Sept. 11, at 4 p.m., followed by the Academic Pentathlon coach orientation on Thursday, Sept. 25, also at 4 p.m. New coaches can register for the Decathlon and Pentathlon sessions online.
Founded in 1968 by former Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Peterson, the Academic Decathlon was created as a decathlon of studies, bringing together teams of nine high school students from each academic tier — “Honor” students (those with GPAs of 3.8 and above), “Scholastic” students (GPAs of 3.20 to 3.79) and “Varsity” students (GPAs of 3.199 and below).
This year’s theme, “The Roaring Twenties,” will guide both programs.
Middle school students will compete in the five-event Academic Pentathlon, which tests knowledge in math, literature, fine arts, science and social science.
High school decathletes will tackle ten events, spanning subjects such as language and literature, science, mathematics, music, social science, economics and art. They will also be challenged to deliver a four-minute prepared speech, a two-minute impromptu speech, a seven-minute interview and a 50-minute written essay.
The season culminates with the high-energy Super Quiz Relay, a countywide competition that mirrors the excitement of a live sporting event.
“Through the Academic Decathlon and Pentathlon, students strengthen their connection to school and to one another,” said Kristin Rigby, OCDE coordinator of academic events. “The programs encourage a growth mindset, celebrate academic effort, and show students that with guidance and collaboration, they can achieve more than they thought possible.”
Survey data from last year’s Orange County Academic Decathlon found that more than 91 percent of participants reported growth in their critical thinking and communication skills, along with stronger character development.
Following the orientations, OCDE will host meetings to kick off the season: Decathlon coaches will gather Wednesday, Sept. 17, and Pentathlon coaches will meet Tuesday, Oct. 14. The Orange County Academic Decathlon will be held over three days in January while contest dates for the Academic Pentathlon will be announced soon.
Educators interested in becoming coaches and learning more about the programs can contact OCDE Coordinator Kristin Rigby at 714-966-4435 or krigby@ocde.us.