The Elections course is a complete simulation of the process of electing officials in the American political system. It includes a school-wide political campaign, election rally and culminates in a mock election. It is designed for numerous types of elections - U.S. Presidential, Gubernatorial, Congressional or local positions. As they create a microcosm of the actual election process, students take on the role of the leading candidates and, with their campaign staffs, coordinate an interdisciplinary program that includes a number of other departments. The course goes well beyond the confines of the Elections class and will include virtually every student and faculty member in the school.
The lesson plans provide clear directions to both the new and experienced teacher. The activity book provides exciting hands-on activities for the students, from the development of primary elections to the dividing of the school into electoral districts or precincts. The assessments are varied and include both traditional and non-traditional means of grading student work. Included in the course are methods of research and citing sources. Class notes are available as transparencies or in PowerPoint format. Two separate pacing guides allow the teacher to accommodate the course to a semester length class of 45-55 minute classes or a mini-course of one quarter 90-minute block classes. The latter may be used to simulate a specific election and coordinate it to the actual election time table in the fall.
The author has been an educator – both as a classroom teacher and high school administrator for over thirty years. In both capacities, she and her programs have received statewide recognition by the New Hampshire Principals’ Association, local school boards and the media.
Check out the student endorsements for this course. |
