Academics
The University Interscholastic League offers the most comprehensive program of academic competition in the nation. UIL Academics offers more activities than any other UIL division, with 29 contests at the high school level and 20 A+ Academic contests for grades 2-8. More than half a million students participate in UIL academic contests each year.
These activities, which exist to complement the academic curriculum, are designed to motivate students as they acquire higher levels of knowledge, to challenge students to confront issues of importance, and to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of specific skills. Students are challenged to think critically and creatively, exhibiting much more than knowledge and comprehension.
Academics News & Updates
UIL Essay Contests
Judging for the Essay Contests is in progress! Finalists and their coaches will be notified by mid-April, and a finalist list will also be available here.
UIL Academic Contests and COVID-19 Update 3/19/20
New information regarding UIL activities and COVID-19 have been updated. The academic staff will communicate dates for specific events as they become available. Thank you for your patience as we work to navigate this ever-changing and unprecedented situation to determine the best course of action for our remaining 2019-2020 activities. Please refer to https://www.uiltexas.org/covid-19-information for the latest information.
UIL Practice COVID-19 Update
Please see update on UIL Practice COVID-19 Update by clicking on title link above.
UIL Academic Contests and COVID-19
UIL Academic Meet Directors, Coordinators, Coaches and Administrators,
As we continue to monitor the rapidly changing status of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and how it is impacting students and their activities we have the following updates regarding the remaining UIL academic events for the 2019-2020 school year.
All UIL events scheduled March 16-29 are to be suspended. Rehearsals and practices during the time of suspension may be held with approval from the local school district. Beginning on March 30th events may resume with the considerations that follow. Any changes to these dates will be communicated as they become available.
District Academic and Speech
District Academic Meets, originally scheduled March 23-28, may now be held March 30-April 11. This includes speaking events. Entry deadlines may be adjusted as needed. We ask that schools and local District Executive Committees work collaboratively and reasonably with one another in rescheduling district competitions.
One-Act Play
Note: Sunday competitions are allowed.
· One-Act Play District/Bi-District certification deadline, originally scheduled March 26, has been extended to April 7.
· One-Act Play Area certification deadline, originally scheduled for April 4, has been extended to April 14.
We ask that schools and local District Executive Committees work collaboratively and reasonably with one another in rescheduling district and bi-district one-act play. Area one-act play will be scheduled based on host site availability and will be communicated via the UIL website.
Regional Academic, Speech and One-Act Play
Academic Regional Meets are still scheduled for April 17-18 and One-Act Play Regional dates remain April 15-18. Current sites are subject to change.
Robotics
Robotics FIRST Division FRC State scheduled April 2-4 has been postponed.
Again, any changes to these dates will be communicated as they become available.
Scheduling your district competitions remain at your local administration’s discretion. We ask that schools and local District Executive Committees work collaboratively and reasonably with one another in rescheduling district competitions, as well as bi-district one-act play. Area one-act play will be scheduled based on host site availability.
Our office will work with meet directors and contest sites to reschedule as school districts allow. Meet directors should contact the UIL Academic Director David Stevens via email at dstevens@uiltexas.org to update the online entry system with the new date. If you have immediate concerns, do not hesitate to call (512) 965-2386.
We appreciate your cooperation and all that you do for UIL member schools.
CX Debate and FIRST Tech Challenge State Events Postponed
Amid growing concerns over COVID-19 (coronavirus), the UIL CX Debate State Tournament and UIL State Robotics FIRST Tech Challenge will be postponed until further notice. Participating schools will be notified directly by UIL with updates as they become available.
“The health and safety of our students and schools is our number one priority,” said UIL Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt, “It is crucial we take every possible precaution to keep participants safe.”
As this is a fluid situation, the UIL will continue to follow the direction of local officials to monitor this situation and will make additional announcements as needed. Please continue to check the UIL website and social media accounts for further updates.
Latest Academics Articles from The Leaguer
Register as high school
Academic coordinator
(Coordinators for elementary and middle schools register under A+ Academics.)
UIL Essay Competitions
Barbara Jordan Historical Essay and Latino History Essay Competitions