CHSSA Mission Statement

The California High School Speech Association will encourage, support, and sponsor both curricular and co-curricular oral communication to empower students to be productive participants in American society and the global community.

To accomplish this, we adopt the following goals:

1. Every student will participate in communication activities which promote self-worth and self-esteem.
2. Every student will develop the critical and analytical thinking skills necessary for academic success.
3. Every student will develop the skills necessary for success in a competitive environment.
4. Every student will develop the interpersonal skills necessary for productive employment.
5. Every student will develop the oral communication skills necessary for effective public presentations.
6. Every student will develop the listening skills necessary for reaching informed decisions.
7. Every student will develop skills necessary for the peaceful resolution of conflict.
8. Every student will develop interpersonal skills necessary for establishing understanding among members of a diverse society.
9. Every student will develop the communication skills necessary for effective and active participation in a democratic society.
10. Every student will demonstrate ethical responsibility in the acquisition and practice of communication skills.

Our Business

CHSSA offers a wide variety of resources for teachers, students, and the community to use in the development, implementation and on-going support of speech education and competition for high school students in California.

Our Participants

The California High School Speech Association (CHSSA) is a non-profit, all volunteer association comprised of over 300 member schools throughout the state of California. Volunteer members include teachers, speech and debate coaches, parents and community members.

Some schools have oral communication classes, while some have only a co-curricular presence. CHSSA sponsors 11 leagues in the state that host a variety of local speech and debate competitions as well as qualify students to attend the State Tournament.