Empowering & Engaging ALL students through Simulated Congressional Hearings Center for Civic Education Howard County’s SCH Website
Common Core
Simulated Congressional Hearing (SCH) Howard County Simulated Congressional Hearing (SCH) Judge Training
Constitutional Experts Constitutional Committee (judges)
5 Units of Study 1.What basic ideas about government did the founders have? 2.How did the framers write our constitution? 3.How does the constitution organize our government? 4.How does the constitution protect our basic rights? 5.What are the responsibilities of citizens?
Why Conduct a SCH? Performance Based Assessment Engages and Motivates Rigorous and Challenging Builds Disciplinary Literacy Encourages Community Involvement Authentic Examples Positive Experience/Memory
Who Participates? ALL 5th Graders Various other grades throughout the school Perform in opening/closing ceremonies Make flags Make decorations Serve as guides
What is the Schedule for the Day of the SCH? Judges Training Opening Ceremony Hearings in Classrooms 4 minute prepared speech 6 minute follow-up questions Lunch Roundtable Discussions Between Judges & Students Closing Ceremony
When Does This Occur? Content is taught throughout school year- (direct correlation to our curriculum) Preparations for hearing- approx. 10 days before the SCH Day SCH Day is in late May or June
Community Involvement SCH Coaches Parents & Family Members Community Members Older Students Guest Speakers Judges Volunteer Committees Observers and Cheerleaders
Acknowledge Student Achievement Gold, silver, bronze medals Positive judge comments Certificates of Achievement
We The People: The Citizen and the Constitution textbooksThe Citizen and the Constitution textbooks Exemplar Lessons Professional Development Pedagogy Content Assistance Planning- timelines & resources Implementation
Communication Staff and Community Websites: County; WikiCountyWiki Recruiting Judges Cadre of Mentors Financial Support Implementation
Questions? Feel free to contact us: Kimberly Loisel (410) Coordinator, Elementary Social Studies Howard County Public School System Michelle Ranker (410) Resource Teacher, Elementary Social Studies Howard County Public School System