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 and the ways in which the Legislature and the state Supreme Court interact. The program equips teachers with valuable resources and ideas to more effectively teach civics in their classrooms.
Legislative Scholar Program
July 15 - 19, 2013
About the Program
The Legislative Scholar Program is a 5-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; meet a Supreme Court justice; learn how the legislative, executive, and judicial branches interact; and bring back lesson plans that help meet Washington State EALRs.
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. Teachers are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and food. Program materials are provided by the legislature.
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.
2012 agenda
“This is by far the best training I've had on government. It was so comprehensive, so detailed, and so useful to me as a classroom teacher that I will recommend it highly to my fellow teachers without hesitation.”
-Anthony Long, A.C. Davis High School, Yakima |
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How to Apply
To apply, submit a completed application to the Legislative Scholar Program, John L. O'Brien Building Room B-3A, P.O. Box 40600, Olympia, WA 98504-0600, by June 30, 2013. Applications can also be emailed to civic.ed@leg.wa.gov.
"This program has given me the real world aspects of the legislature and the dynamics of the process. It brought the text books alive!"
-Raymond Gutierrez, Washington Middle School, Olympia |
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Lesson Plans
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 **
Elections,Bills, & The Budget **
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 **
Designing the Perfect World **
How a Bill Becomes A Law **
What Makes Lawmakers Tick? by Dr. Alan Rosenthal
**plans created by former Legislative Scholars
"This week was an experience I'll never forget. I am so excited to get back into my classroom and share with my students how well our government officials work together. I feel that I have gained new knowledge and renewed my passion for civics; I want to pass this interest onto my students and get them involved in the legislative process."
- Jacqueline Marshall, Oroville Elementary, Oroville |
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Contact Information
For more information about the Legislative Scholar Program, contact Paula Rehwaldt, House Coordinator at (360)786-7993, or Judi Best, Senate Coordinator at (360)786-7451.
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