CIVICS REAL, RELEVANT, and happening RIGHT NOW Lindsay Pryor Elections Division [email protected] (360) 902-4143.

CIVICSREAL, RELEVANT, and happening RIGHT NOW

Lindsay PryorElections [email protected](360) 902-4143

Civics CBA: as easy as ABC

Beginning with the 2008-09 school year, school districts will require students in grades 4 or 5, 7 or 8, and 11 or 12 to each complete at least one CBA in civics.

1. Checks & Balances

2. Constitutional Issues

There is a GAP between civics education

and civic participation.

Voter turnout in Washington State

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

2000 2004

18-24

25+

Three tools to bridge the gap:

1. Election topics for discussion

2. Classroom activities

3. Civics outside the classroom

Civics “Value Menu”

Discussion

Explore the issues

Activity

Make it “real”

CBA

Tie it in with:

Checks & Balances

Constitutional Issues

What do young people think about

voting and elections?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjHizy9vRik

Clip from “18 in 08” by David Burstein

www.18in08.com

Classroom Discussions

What to do:

1. Make it “real”

2. Make it relevant

3. Make it regular

4. Make it fair

5. Make it count

Classroom Discussions

What NOT to do:

1. Don’t allow personal attacks

2. Don’t debate beliefs or opinions

3. Don’t favor candidates or issues

4. Don’t join in the conversation

Classroom Activities

1. Schedule “mock” events to coincide with “real” events

2. Assign tasks that impact the community

3. Have fun, be creative

4. Talk to experienced election-ers

5. Make it a CBA!

Common Steps for a CBA

1. Essential Question

2. Key Concepts and Vocabulary

3. Inquiry (research)

4. Group process and discussion

5. Position (writing)

6. Presentation

Goals to “bridge the gap”

Ask, “does this help my students understand…?”

1. Voting’s positive influence

2. How their voices can be heard

3. Where to get the facts

4. How to make an intelligent decision

5. The voter registration process

6. The elections process

Brainstorm

Comments? Questions?

• What’s worked well for you?

• Sign up for reminders about upcoming events and free classroom materials

Beyond the Classroom

Programs for kids of all ages are available through state, local and non-profit agencies

Programs for teachers are also available!

Online

Contact Us

Lindsay Pryor

Elections Division

[email protected]

(360) 902-4143

www.vote.wa.gov

Contact Us

Lindsay Pryor

Elections Division

[email protected]

(360) 902-4143

www.vote.wa.gov

Civics CBA: as easy as ABC

Sample of a Constitutional Issues CBA