CIVICS REAL, RELEVANT, and happening RIGHT NOW

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CIVICSREAL, RELEVANT, and happening RIGHT NOW

• Lindsay Pryor
• Elections Division
• lpryor_at_secstate.wa.gov
• [phone]

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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.
• Checks Balances
• Constitutional Issues

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There is a GAP between civics education and
civic participation.
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Voter turnout in Washington State
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Three tools to bridge the gap

1. Election topics for discussion
2. Classroom activities
3. Civics outside the classroom

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Civics Value Menu
Discussion Explore the issues Activity Make it real CBA Tie it in with Checks Balances Constitutional Issues
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• What do young people think about
• voting and elections?

Clip from 18 in 08 by David Burstein www.18in08.
com
http//www.youtube.com/watch?vNjHizy9vRik
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Classroom Discussions

• What to do
• Make it real
• Make it relevant
• Make it regular
• Make it fair
• Make it count

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Classroom Discussions

• What NOT to do
• Dont allow personal attacks
• Dont debate beliefs or opinions
• Dont favor candidates or issues
• Dont join in the conversation

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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!

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Common Steps for a CBA

• Essential Question
• Key Concepts and Vocabulary
• Inquiry (research)
• Group process and discussion
• Position (writing)
• Presentation

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Goals to bridge the gap

• Ask, does this help my students understand?
• Votings positive influence
• How their voices can be heard
• Where to get the facts
• How to make an intelligent decision
• The voter registration process
• The elections process

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Brainstorm
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Comments? Questions?

• Whats worked well for you?
• Sign up for reminders about upcoming events and
  free classroom materials

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Beyond the Classroom

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

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Online
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Contact Us

• Lindsay Pryor
• Elections Division
• lpryor_at_secstate.wa.gov
• [phone]
• www.vote.wa.gov

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Contact Us

• Lindsay Pryor
• Elections Division
• lpryor_at_secstate.wa.gov
• [phone]
• www.vote.wa.gov

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Civics CBA as easy as ABC
Sample of a Constitutional Issues CBA