PARTICIPATION IN POETRY OUT LOUD

Poetry Out Loud is run at the state level by the state arts agency and its partners. Each state Poetry Out Loud program follows national guidelines but is allowed some flexibility in execution. For example, to accommodate great numbers or geographic dispersion, some states may add a level of local or regional competition before students advance to the state final. For other reasons, states may run their competition only in select regions of the state or in some way limit the number of schools that may participate each year.

To participate in the official Poetry Out Loud competition, please read the guidance below on eligibility and then contact your state Poetry Out Loud coordinator. If your school is registered, each participating teacher will receive a Poetry Out Loud teacher toolkit(s) including an audio guide to performing poetry, a DVD with examples of best performances, classroom posters, a teacher’s guide, and two copies of the Poetry Out Loud anthology. These resources and more (including an expanded anthology) can be also found on the Poetry Out Loud website. The teacher’s guide will tell you all you need to know about carrying out Poetry Out Loud in the classroom.

Your state Poetry Out Loud coordinator may have additional information and opportunities for you. Please be sure to follow registration and competition deadlines established in your state.

SCHOOL ELIGIBILITY

• School selection is determined by each state arts agency. Contact your state Poetry Out Loud coordinator to determine whether your school is eligible to participate in the official state competition.
• To participate in official state and national competitions, schools must register with their state Poetry Out Loud coordinator.
• Any school at any grade level may use the online Poetry Out Loud resources to run an unofficial competition. Students competing in unofficial contests will not be eligible for state or national awards.

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

• Students must be in grades 9-12, with an exception made for 8th-grade students who are in a participating 9th-grade class.
• Competitors at the state and national finals must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
• Students must participate in a school competition* before progressing to the Poetry Out Loud state finals.
• Homeschooled students may participate by competing in a contest at a local school (at the school’s discretion) or with other local homeschooled students. The state Poetry Out Loud coordinator should be consulted for guidance on participation.
• Students unable to participate at a local school should contact their state Poetry Out Loud coordinator to discuss any other opportunities for inclusion in the state’s official competition.

* School-level competitions include two or more students.