The Legislative Scholar Program provides social studies, history, government and civics teachers from across Washington an opportunity to learn first-hand about the state legislative process. The program equips teachers with valuable resources and ideas to more effectively teach civics in their classrooms.
Next program: July 2009
2008 Legislative Scholars
The Legislative Scholar Program is a 4-day summer workshop in Olympia. It offers an interactive experience for teachers to gain an inside view of the legislative process, meet with members and staff, and bring back lesson plans that help meet Washington State EALRs.
There is a $100 registration fee. Travel, lodging and food (with the exception of one dinner) are covered by the Washington State Legislature. Teachers can receive up to 30 clock hours through ESD 113. Additionally, teachers have the option to return to the State Capitol during the legislative session to observe and possibly shadow a legislator.
The program is a result of the Washington State Legislature's commitment to increasing civic knowledge and education about representative democracy in Washington. The Legislative Scholar Program is based on the assumption that, as part of their representational responsibilities, legislatures must inform citizens of how legislative institutions and processes work.
2008 agenda
“The speakers were powerful in creating a realistic view of civic action in our state government. I feel more trust was built at all levels of the legislative process, and this is something I can pass on to my students.” -Mark Phelan, Discovery Middle School, Vancouver |
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To apply, submit completed application and a $100 payment for the registration fee to the Legislative Scholars Program, Rm 101 Legislative Building, P.O. Box 40482, Olympia, WA 98504-0482, by June 30, 2008. Applications can also be emailed to civic.ed@leg.wa.gov. Please make checks payable to the Washington State Senate. Checks will be cashed upon acceptance to the program.
“I would encourage every social studies educator to attend this program. It is one of the most valuable things an educator can do for themselves and their students.”
-Brenda Hubert, Granger Middle School, Granger |
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A key component of the Legislative Scholar Program involves creating lesson plans based on information acquired during the workshop about the legislative process. There is typically a half-day session at the end of the program where teachers work in groups or independently to write lesson plans to use in their classrooms. Below are lesson plans generated by former Legislative Scholars and project ideas from other programs. Please feel free to use these materials in your own classroom, and let us know what works!
All Ages:
Making Public Policy
The Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie
Day in the Life of a Legislator
Middle School:
Bill Drafting
**
Bill Tracking **
Budget Balancing Simulation by the WA State Senate Ways & Means
Committee
Budget Cuts **
Citizenship **
How a Bill Becomes A Law **
High School:
Appreciating Democracy
by Dr. Alan Rosenthal
Appreciating Representation
by Dr. Alan Rosenthal
Budget Balancing Simulation
by the WA State Senate Ways & Means Committee
Checks & Balances
**
Citizenship
**
Desigoing the Perfect World **
How a Bill Becomes A Law **
What Makes Lawmakers Tick? by Dr. Alan Rosenthal
**plans created by former Legislative Scholars
“In 34 years of teacher workshops/seminars, I have never seen any others that were as well planned and which left me with not only valuable information about the state, but also resources that will impact my students in a very positive manner.”
-Lynette Setmire, Anacortes High School, Anacortes
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For more information about the Legislative Scholar Program, contact Judi Best, Senate Coordinator at (360)786-7451 or Samantha Barrera, House Coordinator at (360)786-7993.
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