Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Spring 2017
In This Issue
Law & Citizenship Conference 3
Why OCLRE? 4
Congratulations! 5
We Need You! 7
www.oclre.org
1
Alumni Spotlight:
Teacher Perspective (cont. from P1) Sarah Welch
Program:
Seeing the learning and high level Interested? High School
discussions that are occurring among High School and Middle School Mock Trial
my students is truly rewarding. teachers are encouraged to apply for Role: Witness
The students have a much better the 2017-18 James Madison Legacy and attorney
understanding of the Constitution Project. Visit us online at www.oclre. High School:
and they can apply that knowledge org/programs_wethepeople and click Olivia Davidson
Washington;
to current events because of being on the James Madison Legacy Project
Athens, Ohio
exposed to We the People. tab to apply.
NOW: University of Chicago first
year law student
The Civics & Law Honor Roll recognizes secondary school students (grades 9-12) who have demonstrated
a commitment to civic learning and engagement. Created by the American Bar Association Commission
on Civic Education in the Nation’s Schools, its purpose is to create enthusiasm for and reward academic
and community volunteer achievements in civic education and engagement. OCLRE recognizes Ohio
students for the Civics & Law Honor Roll in accordance with selection criteria recommended by the
American Bar Association.
Learn more about the selection criteria and submit nominations at www.oclre.org/honor_roll
Nominations are due April 19, 2017 and honorees will be announced on Law Day, May 1, 2017.
2
Law and Citizenship Conference 2016
On September 17 & 18, 2016 approximately 150 teachers from throughout
Ohio met in Columbus for the annual Law and Citizenship Conference. The
theme was “Democracy in Action: Teaching Students about Elections” and
topics included:
• The Election, The Educator, and Teaching for Social Justice
• Ohio’s Learning Standards for Social Studies: Revision Process
• Authentic Assessment in the Government Classroom
• Beginners Guide to Democracy: Voting, Protesting, and
Knowing Your Rights
• Teaching Students About the Supreme Court
• Witnesses Tell the Story: Reading Witness Statements for Literacy Skills
Thank you to all guests, presenters, and exhibitors who made this conference
a success!
The framework is composed of four OCLRE’s seven student centered high school standards. Each of the
dimensions: programs are designed to prepare lessons are rich with primary source
1. Developing questions and students for becoming active and documents, helping students to answer
planning inquiries informed citizens. Each of our programs the “big questions” of our government.
2. Applying disciplinary tools and has a built in authentic assessment that
concepts help students practice the skills of civic The curriculum includes 5 inquiries,
3. Evaluating sources and using life, and deepen their understanding of addressing Government Standards 18,
evidence our system of government. 19, 20, 21, and 22.
4. Communicating conclusions
and taking informed action. As we turn the corner on a new year, Topics Include:
OCLRE is preparing to give you • The 1802 and 1851 Constitutions
When a student is guided through each more resources and support to bring • Comparing Ohio’s Constitution
of the dimensions, he/she leaves with citizenship to life in your classroom. to the U.S. Constitution
a deeper understanding of the content We are excited to announce the launch • Civic Action in Ohio
and how it fits into a larger context. of our brand new Ohio State and • Public Policy in Ohio
The dimensions of the framework Local Government Curriculum. This
serve both as a guide for teachers in curriculum is designed around the C3 The new curriculum is available
planning lessons, and as a road map for Framework, with five inquiries related for download at OCLRE’s site at:
students on the path to understanding. to the state and local government http://oclre.org/c3resources 3
Why OCLRE?
Every year, hundreds of teachers, lawyers, judges and legislators volunteer for our programs. We recognize the
impact and importance of everyone involved and know that our programs would not be successful without the help
of these dedicated individuals, many of whom come back year after year. So, we wanted to know: “What keeps you
coming back?”
“I consider my participation in the We the People competitions as one of the most, important
professional contributions I can and regularly do make. The program is crucially important,
both as an educational tool generally and to prepare the next generation for its duty as citizens.
The Framers of our Constitution repeatedly observed that for a republic to endure the citizenry
had to be learned, engaged, aware, and virtuous. The We the People program is the best vehicle
I have encountered for awakening our young people to this responsibility. Not only do I believe
in the program, but I also believe that it is extremely important for persons with expertise
relevant to the program to participate, especially as judges. Our enthusiastic engagement sends
Bryant
the message that we care about these young people and their growth and development. Doing
so is important not only for the student participants but also for the hard-working teachers and
the many parents who can attend. Plus, it is enormous fun. I would support We the People even
if it were unpleasant to do so. But judging a We the People competition is a joy.”
Chris Bryant, Professor of Law at Cincinnati College of Law
“I have been involved as both a participant and volunteer in OCLRE programs for close to 15
years. I knew from a young age that I wanted to pursue a career in the legal field and I could
further that interest through the opportunities provided by OCLRE. OCLRE exposed me to
the legal environment, as well as the City of Columbus’s legal community. Because of the
impact that OCLRE has had on my life, it is important to me to stay involved with OCLRE
to help fulfill the goals and aspirations of others, while also bettering my life both personally
and professionally. Volunteerism is a key component of growth and as a lifelong resident of
Hegedus Columbus, I feel that it is my civic duty to give back to this wonderful community.”
Ashley Hegedus, Assistant Legal Counsel for the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
Volunteers are a critical part of delivering high quality authentic civic education programs to students and are needed to
serve in a variety of roles, from assisting as facilitators at competitions, to serving as judges, and even as writers of materials
and case files. If you would like to become a part of the OCLRE team visit www.oclre.org/volunteer for more information.
Youth for Justice empowers students to create meaningful change through the democratic process. They learn problem solving,
critical thinking, analytical thinking and collaborative learning. YFJ is aligned to the Ohio Academic Content Standards for
Social Studies and English/Language Arts.
Second place trophy went to Findlay High School (Mark Dickman, teacher),
third place to West Carrollton High School (P.J. Babb, teacher), and fourth
place to Archbold High School (Andrea Oyer, teacher). Other participating
schools were:
• Ayersville High School (Courtney Reiner, teacher)
• Law & Leadership Institute (Diane Cross, site administrator)
• Leaves of Learning (Leslie Hamilton, teacher)
• Ravenna High School (Matthew Wunderle, teacher)
• Strongsville High School (Allison Papish, teacher)
• Van Wert High School (Jeff Kallas, teacher)
• Washington High School- Washington Court House (Nick Geruntino, teacher)
Congratulations to all participants and thank you to all students, teachers and volunteers who make this program possible!
The teams advancing to the state competition are (in alphabetical order):
5
Be Our Guest!
Moot Court: A Student’s Perspective Are you interested in one of our
programs but not sure you are
Grant and his classmates met after ready to make the commitment?
school to discuss the complex legal Do you want to know more about
issues contained in the case. Many a program? Attend a culminating
of his teammates were interested in event to see what all the excitement
political science and the law, but Grant is about. Just call the coordinator
knew from the very beginning that for details.
he never intended to be an attorney.
Ohio High School Mock Trial
“Moot court is an intellectual activity
State Competition
disguised as a legal activity; you are March 9-11
acting as an appellant attorney, but the Caitlyn Smith
skills you learn have more reach.” (614) 485-3507 or csmith@oclre.org
6
OCLRE NEEDS YOU!
As a 501 (c)(3) organization, your gift to OCLRE is tax deductible. The generosity of OCLRE supporters allows us
to continue our regular programming and supports quality professional development for hundreds of teachers. With
continued support, we can defray costs for school with limited resources and provide teachers with necessary materials to
implement programs in the classroom. We ask for your commitment not just as a consumer of services, but also as a partner
in the OCLRE mission.
Name
Billing Address
Phone 1 / Phone 2
Pledge Information:
I wish to support OCLRE with a gift of: $500 $250 $100 $75 $50 Other $
Acknowledgement Information:
If possible, please provide a name and address so we may notify the honoree:
Schedule of Events
MARCH
3 James Madison Legacy Project professional development
9 Mock Trial State Competition
10 Mock Trial State Competition
11 Mock Trial State Championship
24 Middle School Mock Trial State Showcase
30 Middle School Mock Trial State Showcase
31 Middle School Mock Trial State Showcase
APRIL
No events scheduled- contact OCLRE for outreach or
professional development opportunities
MAY
5 Moot Court Competition
10 Youth for Justice/Project Citizen Virtual Summit
17 We the People Middle School State Showcase
SEPTEMBER
15 Mock Trial professional development
16 Law and Citizenship Conference
17 Law and Citizenship Conference