ALABAMA CENTER FOR LAW & EDUCATION
Cumberland School of Law800 Lakeshore DriveBirmingham, Alabama 35229Phone: (205) 726-2433Toll Free: (800) 888-7301
Mission and Goals:The Alabama Center for Law & Civic Education (ACLCE) is dedicated to educating young citizens in civic knowledge, skills and responsibilities. ACLCE is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit civic education organization which was established in June of 1990. ACLCE is a nationally recognized resource and training center for teachers, school resource officers and community leaders.
The goal of ACLCE is to prepare youth to become active, engaged and informed participants in a democratic society. We offer innovative programs that are relevant to the diverse needs of Alabama’s students and teachers. Over the past 20 years, we have built an energetic and cost-effective non-profit organization that utilizes the power of an experienced staff and a large group of committed volunteers to reach educators, schools, and students throughout the state.
ALASKA COURT SYSTEM
303 K Street, 5th FloorAnchorage, Alaska 99501Phone: 907-264-0879
Mission and Goals:Each year, the Alaska Court System works with legal organizations and educational groups to foster law-related education in our state. The Alaska Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Anchorage Bar Association and other groups offer excellent educational programs that help students better understand our legal system and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Whether you are an educator, parent or student, we hope you will explore these opportunities for civic engagement and learning, which include iCivics, Supreme Court LIVE, Color of Justice, Law Day, and the Alaska High School Mock Trial Championships.
AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION DIVISION FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION
321 N. Clark StreetChicago, Illinois 60654Phone: 312.988.5735Fax: 312.988.5494Email: email@example.com
Mission and goals:The six goals that follow constitute the priorities of the ABA standing committee on public education and guide the programs and practices of the division for public education.
Programs Developed/Distributes/Implemented:We offer law-related resources and programs to educators, students, journalists, legal professionals, opinion leaders, and the public to promote understanding of law and its vital role in our society. Programs and resources include:
Programs Developed/Distributed/Implemented: America's Heritage: An Adventure in Liberty is a tested lesson plan resource and supplement for Kindergarten-12th grade teachers of social studies, U. S. history, U. S. government, political science, economics, geography, speech, and/or related subjects. Written by fellow teachers, the resource consists of age-appropriate and modifiable lesson plans grouped into three separate books according to level: elementary, middle, and high school. Each elementary school lesson plan correlates practically with the nationally applicable Core Knowledge Skills (grades K-6) (national edition). The elementary school lesson plans include lessons about the colonists' experience under monarchy; the context for the writing of the Declaration of Independence; the creation of important American symbols, songs, and holidays; and the character traits modeled by great national leaders and presidents. Each middle and high school lesson plan correlates with the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) standards (national edition). The middle school lesson plans include lessons focusing on concepts within the Declaration of Independence, the Gettysburg Address, and other important texts and American symbols as well as the ideals for which many fought and sacrificed their lives. The high school lesson plans include lessons for in-depth analysis and understanding of the ideas, intentions, arguments, rights, and meanings addressed in significant texts from the Mayflower Compact and the Declaration of Independence to Federalist 47, the First Amendment, and a government letter on religious expression in public schools.
Programs Developed/Distributed/Implemented: The Arizona Supreme Court and the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education partner to develop and implement civic education programs that empower Arizona individuals, communities, and schools. The civic education programs include:
The unique aspects of the vast array include: crossing and intertwining generations, providing youth, adults, and senior citizens with increasing civic knowledge while engaging them; utilizing interactive technology for ease in access and efficiency in operations; recognizing accomplishments for al participants; encouraging partnerships with both private and public sectors; and, inviting all branches of government to participate in programs.
Civics Programs are Tailored to:
ARKANSAS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS
Justice Building 625 MarshallLittle Rock, AR 72223Point of Contact: Karolyn Bond, Public Education Coordinator Phone: 501-682-9400
Mission and Goals:
The Judicial Branch Education Division of the Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts recognizes the relationship between civics education and the effectiveness of the American justice system. It strives to develop programs that instill in students a sense of familiarity with the court system, respect for the rule of law, and ownership of their future.
Programs Developed/Distributed/Implemented: Students creating art projects, observing their Arkansas Supreme Court, and being inundated with trial and appellate judges in the classroom – all are part of the civics projects sponsored by the Judicial Branch Education Division of the Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts.
Elementary and middle school students participate in art projects with themes based on love of country and the legal system. The winning artwork permanently hangs in the Justice Building.
The Supreme Court travels twice a year for “Appeals on Wheels” where local students of all ages attend the oral argument and Justices later visit in the classrooms.
Judicial Council, consisting of appellate and trial court judges, participate in a special project with over 100 judges streaming into classrooms for a civics outreach program.
BILL OF RIGHTS INSTITUTE
200 N. Glebe Road, Suite 1050Arlington, Virginia 22203
Mission and Goals: Bill of Rights Institute, established in 1999, is a 501(c)(3) not for profit charity focused on providing educational resources on America’s Founding documents and principles for teachers and students of American History and Civics. The mission of the Bill of Rights Institute is to educate young people about the words and ideas of America’s Founders, the liberties guaranteed in our Founding documents, and how our Founding principles continue to affect and shape a free society. It is the goal of the Institute to help the next generation understand the freedom and opportunity the Constitution offers. The vision of the Institute is to create a citizenry that has the knowledge, values, dispositions, and skills to exercise the rights and responsibilities needed to maintain a free society.
Programs Developed/Distributed/Implemented: The Bill of Rights Institute offers programs and events for both educators and students.
The Academy is the nation’s premier program for high-school students to study the Constitution, and is designed to encourage enthusiasm for learning, prepare students for the academic challenges of a college education, and provide the intellectual tools to create more effective, engaged citizens.
The Center’s programs are implemented with the assistance of a network of public- and private-sector organizations and educational leaders in every state and congressional district in the country and in more than eighty other countries, many of which are emerging and advanced democracies.
The Center has its roots in the interdisciplinary Committee on Civic Education formed at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1964 to develop more effective curricular programs in elementary and secondary civic education. In 1969, the Center became affiliated with the State Bar of California. In 1981, the State Bar established the Center for Civic Education as an independent nonprofit organization that remains affiliated with the State Bar.
The principal goals of the Center's programs are to help students develop (1) an increased understanding of the institutions of constitutional democracy and the fundamental principles and values upon which they are founded, (2) the skills necessary to participate as competent and responsible citizens, and (3) the willingness to use democratic procedures for making decisions and managing conflict. Ultimately, the Center strives to develop an enlightened citizenry by working to increase understanding of the principles, values, institutions, and history of constitutional democracy among teachers, students, and the general public.
Mission and goals: The Denver Bar Association was founded in 1891 with the commitment to promote justice, support and assist member attorneys in delivering legal service and uphold the honor and dignity of the bar. The association likewise works to foster respect for the legal profession, encourage ongoing legal education and offers resources for the media and the public on legal issues.
Moakley U.S. Courthouse One Courthouse Way Suite 3120Boston, Massachusetts 02210Point of Contact: Lissy Medvedow, Executive DirectorPhone: (617) 748-4186
Mission and Goals: Founded in 1998 and incorporated as an independent nonprofit in 2001, Discovering Justice is a Boston-based civic and justice education nonprofit organization. Their mission is to prepare young people to value the justice system, realize the power of their own voices, and embrace civic responsibility by connecting classrooms and courtrooms.
Discovering Justice’s programs teach children to use their voices to advocate for themselves and others through learning about democratic values, history, justice, and civic responsibility. They offer programs in school, afterschool, and in courthouses. Several programs have both a school-based and courthouse-based component.
Students who participate in Discovering Justice develop a sense of personal responsibility and respect for others, learn that they can make a difference in their lives and their communities, and become cognizant of the value of their participation in society. Discovering Justice places a special emphasis on underserved communities.
Discovering Justice’s interactive civic education programs. include:
FLORIDA BAR LAW RELATED EDUCATION COMMITTEE 651 E. Jefferson StreetTallahassee, Florida 32399-2300Phone: (850) 561-5600
Mission and Goals: The purpose of the Law Related Education Committee is to promote effective law related education programs in grades K-12 of Florida's schools, with an emphasis on teaching young citizens respect for the legal system, and for people and their property. The committee seeks to maintain and enhance the cooperative efforts of attorneys, educators, and law enforcement personnel in the field of law related education in Florida.
FLORIDA LAW RELATED EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, INC. 2930 Kerry Forest ParkwaySuite 202Tallahassee, FL 32309Phone: (850) 386-8223Fax: (850) 386-8292General Email: firstname.lastname@example.org
Mission and Goals: The mission of the Florida Law Related Education Association, Inc. is to advance quality civic and law related education programs, policies, and practices; enhance public understanding of the rule of law and the American legal system; and improve the administration of justice.
FLORIDA SUPREME COURT
500 S. Duval StreetTallahassee, FL 32399Point of Contact: Tricia Knox, Education Coordinator Phone: (850) 921-9446
Mission and Goals: The mission of the Florida Supreme Court’s Educational Program is to provide opportunities for students, teachers and the general public to learn about the role of the judiciary and the levels and jurisdictions of Florida’s trial and appellate courts. This is done through a variety of programs that range from historical tours to well-developed educational programs.
Programs generally begin with an overview lesson about the Florida Court System, the Florida Supreme Court and the importance of the judicial branch. Most end with a mock oral argument scenario that requires students to think critically and allows them to experience more deeply the role of the state Supreme Court.
Programs Developed/Distributed/Implemented: Two popular programs are the Journey through Justice and the Making My Vote Count programs. Journey through Justice works in cooperation with Teen Court staff from the local trial court. Students participate in both a mock trial and an oral argument to gain a complete understanding of the court system and Florida’s third branch of government.
Making My Vote Count is a joint educational program between the Florida Supreme Court, the Historic Old Capital and the Museum of Florida History. It explores the importance and individual responsibility of voting. Each location provides its unique responsibility from their branch perspective. Students participate in activities at all three locations; exploring the history of elections in Florida and the importance of exercising their voting rights.
Civics Programs are Tailored to:
FLORIDA BAR JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE COMMITTEE The Florida Bar 651 E. Jefferson StreetTallahassee, FL 32399-2300Phone: (850) 561-5600
Mission and Goals:The Benchmarks Adult Civics Education Program is a series of five (5) interactive activities for adult audiences, each designed for a lawyer or a judge to utilize in facilitating the presentation in an interactive fashion with an adult audience. The materials are completely self-contained, and need only be downloaded and placed onto a laptop computer and the lawyer or judge, as facilitator, is ready to go.
Mission and Goals: Project REAL, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, was created in 2005 to meet the challenge of teaching K-12th grade Nevada students the importance of the law. The goal is to prepare Nevada’s children to become involved, participating citizens who understand their social responsibilities and rights.
Project REAL offers a variety of programs that give students of all ages the opportunity to explore our judicial system, examine current controversial issues and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Project REAL Programs fully comply with state and county educational standards.
ICIVICS, INC. 1875 K Street NW Suite 500Washington, DC 20006Point of Contact: Kelly Landis, Director of Communications & Outreach Phone: (202) 729-8132
Mission and Goals: Justice Sandra Day O’Connor founded iCivics to reverse Americans’ declining civic knowledge and participation. iCivics prepares young Americans to become knowledgeable, engaged 21st century citizens by creating innovative educational materials and making civic education relevant to a new generation through video games, classroom materials, and other innovative teaching techniques. Our free materials are fun for students and practical for teachers in classrooms of all types.
Programs Developed/Distributed/Implemented: iCivics offers the nation’s most comprehensive, standards-aligned civics curriculum that is available freely on the Web. The iCivics program contains 16 educational video games, 13 curriculum units and 70 lesson plans about civics topics ranging from the Constitution to budgeting to civil rights. In Fall 2012, iCivics will offer the first-of-its-kind The Drafting Board, an interactive online tool that teaches persuasive writing through civics topics.
Civics Programs are Tailored to:
ILLINOIS STATE BAR ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE ON LAW-RELATED EDUCATION 424 S. Second St.Springfield IL 62701-1779217 525 1760800 252 8908
Mission and Goals: The Illinois State Bar Association is the premier legal association in the state. As a voluntary organization of more than 30,000 members, the Association's primary focus is to assist Illinois lawyers in the practice of law and to promote improvements in the administration of justice. The Association engages in many important activities on behalf of the profession — among them proposing and shaping legislation, educating the public, and supporting the courts and the rule of law.
Part of our mission at the ISBA is to educate the public and students of all ages about the important role of lawyers and judges, the importance of an independent judiciary for the proper administration of justice, and to foster an interest in students to respect our justice system and consider pursuing careers in the law. The Law-Related Education committee of the ISBA is composed of volunteer lawyers and judges and educators, with assistance by ISBA staff.
The Law-Related Education Committee of the ISBA carries out that mission through a number of activities, including the following:
INDIANA SUPREME COURT
200 West Washington Street, Room 316Indianapolis, IN 46204Point of Contact: Sarah Kidwell, Webcast Coordinator and Education AssistantPhone: (317) 234-3055
Mission and Goals: Courts in the Classroom (CITC) is the educational outreach program of the Indiana Supreme Court. CITC’s primary objective is to help educators, students, historians, and interested citizens learn more about the history and operation of Indiana’s judicial branch. The project’s website (courts.IN.gov/citc) provides teachers and the general public with access to a multitude of lesson plans, scripts, historical documents, archive and live links to webcasts of oral arguments, a searchable database of webcasts, and other resources to help teach about the judiciary.
Programs Developed/Distributed/Implemented:Besides curriculum materials, Courts in the Classroom also offers four interactive fieldtrips for students each school year. The fieldtrips highlight Indiana cases with students from the audience filling all but one of the roles (around 70 parts per program). A two-week summer teacher workshop introduces teachers to all aspects of trial and appellate courts. Activities include visits to trial courts, a mock law school class, a law library research assignment, and a moot court in the Supreme Court Courtroom.
The Learning Law and Democracy Foundation launched in 1981 as the Minnesota Center for Community Legal Education at Hamline University School of Law. Although its initial mission focused on promoting the development of legal competence through law-related education in schools and community organizations, it quickly broadened its vision to include instruction in civics and government.
After six years of programming at the University of Minnesota (1996-2002) and name change, the Learning Law and Democracy Foundation became an independent 501(c)(3) organization with offices in the Minnesota Humanities Education Center in St. Paul.
Office of Communications and Public AffairsState of Maryland JudiciaryJudicial Education Conference Center2011-D Commerce Park DriveAnnapolis, MD 21401Point of Contact: Pamila J. Brown, Associate JudgePhone: (410) 480-7706
Mission and Goals:
The Maryland Civics and Law Academy engages young people of middle school and high school age in learning about law and civil society. The purpose of the academy is to prepare young people to be participants in our democratic society. In Maryland, dozens of civically active judges ad attorneys volunteer their time to share knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm for civic engagement with hundreds of young participants. The academy is a partnership of the Maryland Judiciary, Maryland State Bar Association, the Citizenship Law Related Education Program, and the Maryland Public School System. It is offered three times per school year to meet the needs of local school systems. The Civics and Law Academy is an important tool to promote public understanding of the courts and increase the public’s trust and confidence in the administration of justice.
Programs Developed/Distributed/Implemented: In its first program year, three Civics and Law Academies were held in Maryland during the 2011-12 school year in local schools or education centers in Baltimore, Prince George’s and Frederick Counties. Nearly 300 students and teachers attended the sessions, which received positive reviews from the participants. The Civics and Law Academy offers a minimum of four hours of focused instruction on topics such as Law and Justice; Rights and Responsibilities; Free Speech, School Speech and Protected Speech; and Power and Empowerment. The academies feature interactive lessons taught by judges and attorneys, which are designed to develop civic competency and a deeper understanding of the law and their legal rights.
MASSACHUSETTS JURY SYSTEM – OFFICE OF THE JURY COMMISSIONER, MASSACHUSETTS TRIAL COURT Office of Jury Commissioner560 Harrison AvenueBoston, MA 02118Point of Contact: John W. Cavanaugh, Deputy Jury CommissionerPhone: (617) 721-9125
Mission and Goals:
Jury outreach strives to encourage full citizen participation to enhance diversity of all juries, while it discourages juror delinquency. Special attention has been devoted to promoting the program in urban areas to remind everyone that our juries should reflect the cultural diversity of our citizens and of our communities. We inform prospective jurors that juror service should be a positive and rewarding experience.
Programs Developed/Distributed/Implemented: Our free multimedia school presentation discusses the history of jury, how people are affected by jury verdicts, juror fashion, juror delinquency, and the effects of countries with no jury trials. If time allows, a jury trial simulation is conducted with students portraying the participants. An adult presentation emphasizes the four major benefits of our jury system.
MIKVA CHALLENGE 332 South Michigan AvenueSuite 400Chicago, Illinois, 60604Phone: (312) 863-6340
Mission and Goals: Mikva Challenge develops the next generation of civic leaders, activists and policy-makers. This is done by providing young people with opportunities to actively participate in the political process, because it is the belief that the best way to learn leadership and to learn democracy is to experience both.
Mikva Challenge embraces ambitious youth workers and advocates; since 2000, Mikva Challenge has trained over 20,000 young people through elections, activism and policymaking programs. Through the Mikva process, young people connect with peers, adults and political issues, strategize about how to win their issue or campaign and take action to become real political participants. These youth tell that they feel they have a “voice” now and report having a greater desire to vote, campaign, organize, lobby, and even run for office. Perhaps most importantly, these Mikva youth now believe that Chicago is their city and that they have the power, knowledge and skills to make it a more just and equitable place – both now and in the future. Mikva Challenge’s work is focused on helping youth take political action now in order to develop the next generation of civic leaders.
As a result, all programs aim to achieve four core goals:
The committee has chosen to target the fourth graders touring the Missouri Supreme Court for education on the essential role the court plays in our system of government. Another key program is the Appellate Court Road Show, in which appellate court judges hear oral argument in front of an audience composed of high school students, college students, or members of the public. The Missouri Supreme Court Institute brings teachers to the high court for a week of instruction during the summer; lesson plans, materials, and presentations will be provided to teachers on the importance of the courts. The committee is also working to bring Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s internet-based iCivics program to the attention of teachers. Finally, members of the Civic Education Committee are working with the state’s policymakers to ensure that they fully understand the importance of an independent judiciary.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR STATE COURTS 300 Newport AvenueWilliamsburg, VA 23185Point of Contact: Lorri Montgomery, Director of Communications & MarketingPhone: (757) 259-1525
Mission and Goals: The National Center for State Courts is an independent, nonprofit court improvement organization founded at the urging of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Warren E. Burger. He envisioned NCSC as a clearinghouse for research information and comparative data to support improvement in judicial administration in state courts.
Over twenty years ago, the Institute for Court Management merged with NCSC, adding an educational curriculum especially designed for court managers. In the early 1990s, an international division was formed to offer a similar array of research, consulting, education, and information services to strengthen the rules of law in countries around the world.
All of NCSC's services — research, information services, education, consulting — are focused on helping courts plan, make decisions, and implement improvements that save time and money, while ensuring judicial administration that supports fair and impartial decision- making.
Programs Developed/Distributed/Implemented: Justice Case Files are graphic novels that engage readers while giving insight into how judges make decisions, how the courts protect the public and why courts are so important to a democratic society.
NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE SOCIAL STUDIES 8555 Sixteenth StreetSuite 500Silver Spring, Maryland 20910Point of Contact: Susan Griffin, Executive DirectorTelephone: (800) 296-7840
Mission and Goals: Social studies educators teach students the content knowledge, intellectual skills, and civic values necessary for fulfilling the duties of citizenship in a participatory democracy. The mission of National Council for the Social Studies is to provide leadership, service, and support for all social studies educators.
In 2010, NCSS published National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies: A Framework for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment. The revised standards continue to be structured around the ten themes of social studies; however, they offer a sharper focus on Purposes; Questions for Exploration; Knowledge (what learners need to understand); Processes (what learners will be capable of doing); and Products (how learners demonstrate understanding). NCSS standards ensure an integrated social science, behavioral science, and humanities approach for achieving academic and civic competence that can be used by social studies decision makers in K-12 schools.
The NCSS framework consists of ten themes incorporating fields of study that correspond with one or more relevant disciplines. These are:
635 South 14th Street, Suite 120PO Box 95103Lincoln, Nebraska 68509
Mission and Goals: The Nebraska State Bar Foundation has been designated as the State Center for Law- Related Education in Nebraska by Youth for Justice, a cooperative program supported by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention of the United States Department of Justice. The Foundation sponsors the Nebraska High School Mock Trial Project, Reaching the Age of Majority booklet, and various Law Day celebration activities as wells as newly emerging LRE programs and projects.
The Nebraska State Bar Foundation supports many civic education programs, several of which are cosponsored by the Nebraska Supreme Court. Jointly held programs are under the State Bar Foundation’s PEOPLE Committee (Public Education Outreach Promoting the Law & Equity) and include: Statewide High School Law Day Essay Contest, 5th Grade Job Shadowing, Journalist Education Seminars, Voters’ guide to Judges’ Retention Elections, and other topic specific programming.
NORTH DAKOTA SUPREME COURT State Capitol Building 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 180Bismarck, ND 58505Point of Contact: Lee Ann Barnhardt, Director of Education & CommunicationPhone: 701-328-4251
Mission and Goals:
The mission of the North Dakota Justices Teaching Institute is to foster a better understanding of the roles of the courts, how they work, how judges make decisions and to increase public access to the court system. The goal is to enable participants to teach others with confidence about the nature, history, structure, function and processes of the courts and the judiciary; to implement strategies for effectively teaching legal concepts; to utilize technology to teach law-related subjects; and to apply constitutional knowledge and principles to judicial decision-making.
North Dakota Justices Teaching Institute is offered bi-annually to secondary history and government teachers. Supreme Court justices develop the 1 ½ day course and guide participants through academic and clinical experiences preparing for the Institute’s final application – a mock oral argument. Experiential learning sessions progress through the function and structure of state and federal courts; the framework of judicial decision- making ; legal research; and civil and criminal court processes. To provide an understanding of the underlying legal concepts that the teachers apply to decide the constitutional question, the justices present sessions analyzing the respective constitutional amendment, statues, and case law. Lesson plans, PowerPoints, teaching notes and other materials are provided to assist the teachers in fulfilling their requirement to teach the legal concepts to their students.
SUPREME COURT OF OHIO
65 South Front StreetColumbus, OH 43215Point of Contact: Jay Wuebbold, Civic Education Section
Mission and Goal:The Supreme Court of Ohio civic education program is dedicated to informing citizens about the judiciary, with the aim of building trust through knowledge and understanding. The initiative employs many and varied approaches: off-site court, a visitor education center, guided tours, classroom lesson plans and a public lecture series.
The program is built on a foundation of innovation and continues to move forward with new initiatives. Students are the primary, but not exclusive audience. The education center and online lesson plans offer dynamic learning opportunities that provide an inside look at Ohio courts. We effectively use case narratives that personalize and define the courts, making sometimes-complex concepts understandable on many levels, crossing age groups and cultures.
In Ohio v Smith the Supreme Court of Ohio ruled police are required to obtain a warrant before searching data in a cell phone seized during an arrest. It is the basis of a lesson plan for classroom discussion about the Fourth Amendment. Posted online, it includes a link to the video stream of the oral arguments, a summary of legal issues and the court’s decision. Now in its fourth year, the Forum on the Law lecture program features speakers and topics that attract the general public and legal professionals.
The Ohio Judicial Center Foundation provided $30,000 for grants to 100 financially strapped schools to help cover costs to visit the Supreme Court and its education center during the past school year.
Programs Developed/Distributed/Implemented: LRE conducts programs both independently and in partnership with non-profits, civic organizations, and educational groups. Programs include professional development for teachers and others in the civic community via institutions and training workshops. Classroom materials are created and distributed for programs administered by LRE. To fulfill its mission of educating citizens, LRE develops programs unique to Oklahoma such as INFORM — a methamphetamine awareness seminar program, and Law School for Legislators — a training workshop for new legislators.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Bar Association offers a collection of lessons and lesson plans, developed by teachers and lawyers, for K-12 students.
SANDY WILBUR MUSIC
Sandy Wilbur Music has produced three civics/music educational videos designed as teaching tools for teachers of music, history, social studies and civics and helping kids learn about important documents, concepts and values. "We The People" helps kids learn the Preamble to the Constitution and how the three branches of government work. "Four Score and Seven Years Ago" sings part of the Gettysburg Address and touches on the Civil War, Lincoln and equality. "She Still Carries A Torch" is about the Statue of Liberty and what it means to the millions of immigrants who have come to this country in search of freedom.
SOUTH CAROLINA – ICIVICS SOUTH 72 Rocky Cove RoadLexington, SC 29072Point of Contact: Dr. Jane C. Brailsford, Master Trainer/Project DirectorPhone: (803) 530-3005
Mission and Goals: The mission of iCivics South is to introduce the iCivics method of enhanced civics learning into the South Carolina education system, to coordinate its successful implementation, and to advocate and guide its sustained use as a major civics-education resource.
Perhaps the most significant iCivics South project is it partnership with the SC GEAR UP Grant. Working with the schools, colleges, and communities, which benefit from the SC GEAR UP grant, iCivics South will provide training and support for civics education in fifteen school districts.
Also noteworthy is the development of iCivics curricula that will become a sustainable part of instructional programs in South Carolina. iCivics South led the development of pilot programs for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade iCivics exploratory courses and a 10th grade elective course. As a result, seven middle schools and three high schools will offer daily instruction in iCivics beginning in Fall 2012. Other pilots developed for South Carolina students include an iCivics Summer Leadership Camp and iCivics End-of-Year Program.
STREET LAW, INC. 1010 Wayne AvenueSuite 870Silver Spring, Maryland 20910Phone: (301) 589-1130
Mission and Goals: Street Law is a nonprofit organization that creates classroom and community programs that teach people about law, democracy, and human rights worldwide. Street Law program participants benefit from “real-life” lessons and insights, which they can use to effect positive change for the rest of their lives. Our accessible, engaging, and interactive programs empower students and communities to become active, legally-savvy contributors to society.
Street Law began in 1972, when a small group of Georgetown University Law Center students developed an experimental curriculum to teach District of Columbia high school students about law and the legal system. Because of its practical nature, the course was called “Street Law.”
Over time, the Street Law curriculum evolved from a binder of loose-leaf lesson plans to a range of programs and publications designed to enhance the teaching of practical law, crime prevention, conflict resolution, youth advocacy, and the fundamental principles of democracy.
Street Law develops classroom and grassroots programs that educate students and communities about law, democracy, and human rights. Some of the initiatives are implemented directly in classrooms and neighborhoods. However, the majority of efforts, including popular professional development programs, are focused on training others— individuals and organizations—to become effective Street Law educators. Street Law’s approach is practical, relevant, and experiential, blending legal content with innovative hands-on teaching strategies that actively engage students and program participants in the learning process.
Street Law’s textbook, Street Law: A Course in Practical Law, now in its eighth edition, is used in classrooms across the U.S. Hundreds of lessons on law, democracy, human right, public policy, crime prevention, conflict resolution, and youth advocacy are contained within the book.
The AOC participates in a unique Street Law program in which judges make the commitment to teach weekly in a local high school from the national textbook, Street Law: A Course in Practical Law. More than 25 pairings exist around the state of Washington. Some judges are in their seventh year of teaching Street Law, and two new sites are added annually. The judge/teacher pairs receive training, a classroom set of the textbooks and an onsite observation.
Mission and Goals: The Wisconsin Court System has designed public education and outreach programs to promote public understanding of the role of the courts and enhance public confidence in the judicial system. The court system is committed to speaking with the people of the state about the judicial branch and listening to their concerns. The court system designs and provides programs that maintain a strong and vital connection between the courts and the communities we serve. The programs exist to strengthen this partnership, educate the public about the work of the courts, ensure access to justice for all, and provide outreach and educational tools for educators and local courts throughout the state.
Courts Connecting with Communities is a new statewide outreach project initiated by Chief Justice Abrahamson. The project provides a “toolkit,” a step-by-step manual and materials for twenty outreach programs. It also promotes a coordinated county-by- county approach that establishes outreach planning as a continuing project in individual communities.
Justice on Wheels takes the Supreme Court on the road to hold oral arguments in a
county courthouse. This program will celebrate its twentieth year in 2013.
Court with Class brings high school students to the state Capitol to watch an oral argument and meet with a justice.