Yesterday, hundreds of charter school students, parents and supporters descended upon the Capitol to meet legislators, learn about the legislative process and participate in student debates. Sixth, seventh and eighth graders prepared their arguments and argued their positions at the annual <a title="Colorado League of Charter Schools" href="http://www.coloradoleague.org/index.php">Colorado League of Charter School's</a> rally. <a title="Rebecca L. Almon" href="http://www.irelandstapleton.com/people/attorneys/bio?id=51&amp;name=Rebecca%20L.%20Almon">Rebecca Almon</a>, an environmental attorney at Ireland Stapleton Pryor &amp; Pascoe, PC, served as a judge at the debates.

"These kids are fantastic," said Almon, "they are bright, composed and thoughtful; their arguments were quite persuasive."

The debates, which were held in the old Supreme Court Chambers, gave students an opportunity to develop persuasion, argument formation and reasoning skills.