The primary goal of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution is to promote civic competence and responsibility among the nation’s elementary and secondary students. What makes the program so successful is the design of its instructional program, including its innovative culminating activity.
The instructional program enhances students understanding of the institutions of American constitutional democracy. At the same time, students discover the contemporary relevance of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
The culminating activity is a simulated congressional hearing in which students "testify" before a panel of judges. Students demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles and have opportunities to evaluate, take, and defend positions on relevant historical and contemporary issues.
The Center provides free professional-development opportunities for elementary, middle, high school educators, university and college professors, members of the legal community, We the People Programs state and congressional district coordinators, and youth organization leaders throughout the nation and in selected sites throughout the world.
Since the inception of the We the People program in 1987, more than 28 million students and 90 thousand educators have participated in this innovative course of study. Several studies by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and Professor Richard Brody, Stanford University, indicate that students who used the curriculum "significantly outperformed comparison students" on every topic studied. A recent study, conducted by the independent firm RMC Research Corporation, found that students using the curriculum scored significantly higher on a comprehensive test of political knowledge when compared to their peers in comparison classes as well as university students attending political science courses. The program enjoys the active participation of members of Congress, as well as support from professional, business, and community organizations across the nation. Program participants can maintain contact with the Center and with one another through the We the People Alumni Network.
| Announcements: | | American Lawyers Auxiliary Teacher of the Year Awards
Entry Deadline April 15, 2010For more than forty years, the American Lawyers Auxiliary has been active in
its support of public education, citizenship awareness, and other service
programs. Recognizing the vital role that teachers play in law-related
education, the Auxiliary continues to sponsor its Law-Related Education
Teacher of the Year Award to honor teachers who have made significant
contributions in the area of law-related education. Nominations for the
2010 Law Related Education Teacher of the Year may be made by a school
administrator, coordinator, director, teacher, student, or any other interested
party. For full information, click here. |
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We the People in the News |
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Teacher's Passion: Molding Informed Citizens
Lake County Reporter - May 19, 2010
Tamara Johnson is constantly looking to practical life to engage her Kettle Moraine High School students. The Wisconsin educator also brings her passion for government and politics to the classroom.
Johnson's enthusiasm has inspired her students to go on to West Point, to serve as political aides, and to work in government service. Her commitment to educating and motivating informed citizens led to her selection as a 2010 American Civic Education Teacher Awards recipient.
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Center for Civic Education 
