We the People Summer Institute

I highly recommend all teachers participate in the below advertised institute. I attended last year and found it to be an incredibly enjoyable and educational experience. You may find information about last year's institute at another of my blogs: "Keeler Thoughts and Conference Notes."

We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution
NEVADA/CALIFORNIA SUMMER INSTITUTE
July 27 – August 3, 2008
Sierra Nevada College, Incline Village, NV

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE
We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution helps students understand the history and principles of our constitutional government. The program focuses on the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights and fosters civic competence and responsibility among upper elementary, middle, and high school students in public and private schools nationwide.

The Nevada/California institute is a rigorous professional development program that brings educators to Sierra Nevada College to work with constitutional scholars from a variety of disciplines. Participants complete academic readings, attend morning lectures, and participate in afternoon sessions dedicated to the content and teaching methods, appropriate to the We the People curriculum. At the close of the institute, they also participate in a culminating activity modeled on the We the People simulated congressional hearing, an authentic assessment strategy.

The following topics are addressed in the lectures and teaching methods and assessment sessions:

• What are the historical and philosophical foundations of the American political system?
• How did the Framers create the Constitution?
• How did the values and principles embodied in the Constitution shape American institutions
• and practices?
• How have the protections of the Bill of Rights been developed and expanded?
• What rights does the Bill of Rights protect?
• What are the roles of the citizen in the American democracy?

WHO CAN APPLY
Educators from schools throughout the state of Nevada and northern California are eligible to apply. Enrollment is limited to thirty teachers from upper elementary, middle and high schools, both public and private. Applications are due May 1, 2008 with notification of acceptance by May 15, 2008.

BENEFITS
Participants will receive AT NO COST

• Airfare or other transportation costs (up to $150)
• Lodging and meals
• A library of congressional literature
• A set of textbooks and other materials for the classroom

LOCATION
Sierra Nevada College is located in Incline Village, Nevada, about one-mile from the shore of Lake Tahoe, at an elevation of 6,700 feet above sea level. While many view the Lake Tahoe Basin as a recreational wonderland made up of world-class resorts and intense natural beauty, Sierra Nevada College views Tahoe as a laboratory for learning, where altitude and attitude come together to create a truly unique atmosphere.

OBLIGATION
Participation in the institute, considered to be professional development worth more than $3000, obligates the recipient to conduct a simulated congressional hearing in his or her classroom. State, regional and congressional district coordinators for We the People will assist with the hearing and other aspects of program implementation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
David Richmond [(661) 871-5636 ] , California State Coordinator (We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution)