DemiDec Resources produces study materials for participants in the United States Academic Decathlon,[1] hosts the World Scholar's Cup,[2] and co-operates several study academies around the world. A private company, it was founded in 1994 by now-CEO[3] Daniel Berdichevsky.[4]
History
In the 1980s and early 1990s, the United States Academic Decathlon had few third-party companies that produced study materials for students, and individual teams had to do most of the research themselves.[5][6] After setting an individual scoring record in the 1993–94 season and winning the National Championship,[7] Berdichevsky along with teammate Andrew Salter decided to address this vacuum by creating study guides and practice examinations for the next season.[8][9]
Berdichevsky had been part of the Taft High School Academic Decathlon program in the 1992–93 season, but had felt "too scared of giving a speech" that year to compete.[8] The following year, he assumed the role of team captain and joined his teammates in winning the National Championship under the leadership of their coach Art Berchin.[7] The individual scoring record Berdichevsky set that year remained unbroken until 2008, when Isabel Salovaara of Whitney Young High School in Illinois earned 9,300 points, surpassing Berdichevsky's record by a small margin of three points.[10][11]
The study guides and resources Berdichevsky and Salter developed in their first year were limited, but enthusiasm for the venture was evidenced by the fact that it earned $20,000 in 5 months.[8][9][12] When their coach Berchin joined them the following year, DemiDec gained more stability and determined to continue the project.[8]
Within two years' time, the company had largely evolved into its current form, relying on "a network of former Decathletes, curriculum experts and experienced writers" to create a study course that includes both content and assessment materials and is known for its student-centered and engaging style.[8] The company annually releases a host of materials for Academic Decathlon competitors and coaches, including "Resource Guides," "Power Guides," "Cram Kits," flashcards,[3] quizzes, and sequenced examinations.[8] The materials are generally released in the summer after having been approved by "Beta testers," usually experienced Decathletes.[13][14]
Daniel Berdichevsky speaking at the 2009 World Scholar's Cup finals
In 2006, citing disappointment that the United States Academic Decathlon ended at just a national level, Berdichevsky created the global academic competition the World Scholar's Cup.
The World Scholar's Cup spans six subjects: science, history, literature, art/music, social studies, and a special area.[2] At the competition, students participate in four events that encompass all six subjects: a curriculum-based debate, an essay, a multiple-choice test, and the "Scholar's Bowl," a live tournament in which team members collaborate to answer questions.[2]
Teams consist of either two or three students and can represent their school, multiple schools, or even whole countries.[15] The culmination of the annual competition is held in one of the competing countries.[16][17] Besides DemiDec, companies that sponsor the World Scholar's Cup include FunnelBrain and iRespond.[18]
Study Academies
DemiDec also operates a number of academies in South Korea. Their programs prepare students in variety of subjects, with a special focus on SAT Preparation for Korean students interested in studying in America.[19][20][21]
^Wolcott, Holly J. (February 7, 2000). "Simi High Advances to State Contest in Academic Decathlon; Education: Defending national champion Moorpark High places second at county level, but may compete further as a wild-card selection". Los Angeles Times. p. B9.
^Hetzner, Amy (March 11, 2000). "Waukesha's Catholic Memorial makes it a four-peat in Academic Decathlon, School sets state record for points, looks forward to national competition". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
^"The World Scholar's Cup". DemiDec Resources. World Scholar's Cup. Archived from the original on July 29, 2009. Retrieved June 7, 2009. Students compete in teams of two or three.
