Linda Linn Prairie Lakes AEA June 20, 2011

 America’s representative democracy is a constantly evolving process, one that relies on public participation and the Voices of the People.  Data shows that many students and voting-age citizens are not familiar or comfortable with the democratic process –too slow, contentious.

 Partnerships with: The Center for Civic Education The Trust for Representative Democracy at the National Conference of State Legislatures The Center on Congress at Indiana University

 GOAL – To Reinvigorate participation in our system of government through an array of programs to foster civic learning and civic engagement

 Civic Literacy  Employability Skills  Financial Literacy  Health Literacy  Technology Literacy

 Understand the rights & responsibilities of each citizen & demonstrate the value of lifelong civic action.  Understand how gov’t established by the Constitution embodies the enduring values & principles of democracy & republicanism

 Understand the purpose & function of each of the 3 branches of gov’t established by the Constitution  Understand the differences among the complex levels of local, state & nat’l gov’t & their inherent, expressed, and implied powers  Understand strategies for effective political action that impact local, state & nat’l governance.

 Critical Thinking  Complex Communication  Collaboration  Flexibility & Adaptability  Productivity & Accountability

 Reading  Writing

 Citizen Brain: Feeding on American Democracy (4-6)  American Legislators Back to School Program (2-12)  You Rule (7-12)

 Project Citizen (MS/HS)  We The People (Elem/MS/HS)  Representative Democracy in America – 6 part video series (MS/HS)

 Democracy Kids Website (2-6)  Lunch Break with Dr. Broccoli: Video on Compromise (4-12)  Oceana: A Virtual Democracy (5-9)

 Understanding Congress (5- 12)  Interactive Congress (5-12)  Congressional Moments CD (5-12)  Virtual Congress (5-12)

 Contact information: Linda Linn Prairie Lakes AEA Ext. 2007