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Issue 1

Spring 2017

Partnering With Teachers to Bring Citizenship to Life


SPONSORS: SUPREME COURT OF OHIO • THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF OHIO • OHIO STATE BAR ASSOCIATION • ACLU OF OHIO FOUNDATION

Teacher Perspective: One More Thing?


Making a Difference in the Classroom Introducing the C3
By Robin Lashley Framework
Teacher at Middleburg Heights Junior High, outside of Cleveland
By Ryan Suskey, Director of Professional
Development & Programs
The James Madison Legacy Project is by far one of the best professional
development opportunities that I have ever been involved with. I Here at OCLRE, we are excited about the
have gained new background knowledge and my students are highly possibilities raised by the new College,
engaged in the We the People curriculum. Career and Civic Life (C3) Framework.
It is not a collection of new standards, but
I have been an educator for 23 years and currently teach an 8th rather a shell into which teachers insert
grade U.S. History class. I have found that the curriculum aligns pre-existing content and curricular aims.
perfectly with a large portion of the Ohio Grade 8 Social Studies
Learning Outcomes. The textbooks provided through this C3 Framework represents a return to best
program are fantastic. The students are better able to understand practices and the pursuit of knowledge
complex concepts (social contract theory, The Great Compromise, through questions. The framework
and judicial review, just to name a few) due to the straight-forward encourages students to ask and answer
writing and realistic examples. The program will immerse teachers the “big questions,” and then apply that
in the role of a student as you use the materials to prepare for a learning to doing something. Students
simulated congressional hearing as part of the experience. explore topics like power, purposes of
government, and the impact of citizens
My students are very excited about the simulated congressional and then translate their explorations into
hearings that they will be involved in at the end of the program. concrete outcomes by advocating for
They are fully engaged in reading and applying primary source change, engaging with decision makers,
materials as they prepare for the hearings. //cont. P2 and informing their peers of their
conclusions. //cont. P3

In This Issue
Law & Citizenship Conference 3

Why OCLRE? 4

Congratulations! 5

Moot Court: A Student’s Perspective 6

We Need You! 7

www.oclre.org
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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

MEMORY: For several years, my


teammates and I gathered a massive
database of quotable moments
from practice. We compiled them
into a PowerPoint presentation
summarizing each season’s highlights.

INFLUENCE: “I never would have


considered law school without mock
trial, but it helped me discover how
As a participant in this program, Questions? fascinating law can be. The lessons
I have received many valuable Contact Tim Kalgreen I learned about analytical thinking,
resources that will impact the (tkalgreen@oclre.org; 614-485-3515) public speaking, preparation, and
learning of my students far into the striving for excellence guided me
future. I highly recommend your Research results from Georgetown through college and continue to be
involvement in We the People and University regarding the effectiveness of indispensable in law school. My coach
has remained an invaluable inspiration,
hope that this program grows to the professional development nationally
mentor, and resource [to me]. Mock
become part of every student’s can be found at www.jmlpresearch.org. Trial is one of the most cherished and
education as they prepare to become impactful activities I’ve experienced!”
involved citizens.

Do you know a student who excels at civic


education and is deserving of recognition?
Reward academic and community volunteer achievements in civic education by nominating a student to
be on the Civics and Law Honor Roll!

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.
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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!

Save the Date for Law and Citizenship Conference 2017!


“Of the People, By the People, For the People”: The Power of Active Citizens

• First Amendment Rights • Teaching for Social Justice


• Inquiry in the Social Studies • Understanding Public Policy
• ODE Update Briefings • Mock Trial Topics
• Project Based Citizenship
AND: The unveiling of the 2017-2018 Mock Trial Case File!
September 17 & 18, 2017 Registration opens Monday, March 6th at http://oclre.org/lc_conference

Teachable Moment (cont. from P1)

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.

Program Highlights: Youth For Justice (YFJ)


Participating in YFJ is a great, hands-on way for students to take informed action about issues important to them and their
community. Student teams identify an injustice, intolerance or problem relevant to their local community, research it, propose
solutions, and then implement one or more of their proposed solutions. The annual Virtual Summit is an opportunity for student
groups to showcase their projects on our website and receive feedback from project evaluators. Final projects are intended to
present a summary of students’ work conclusions and solutions.

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.

For more information or to view previous YFJ projects visit www.oclre.org/programs_youthforjustice


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CONGRATULATIONS!
High School We the People
On January 27, 2017, Bellbrook High School (Erin Snowden, teacher) took
home the first-place trophy at the state competition. Bellbrook students will
represent Ohio at the National Finals, April 21-25 in Washington, D.C.!

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!

Ohio Mock Trial


Congratulations to teams that advanced to the State Competition, March 9-11! A huge thank you to all students,
teachers, legal advisors and district and regional site coordinators. Without you this program would not be possible
or successful!

The teams advancing to the state competition are (in alphabetical order):

• Archbishop Hoban • Springfield HS


• Bishop Watterson HS • St. Vincent St. Mary HS
• Columbus School for Girls • St. Xavier HS
• Danville School District • Strongsville HS
• Dayton Early College Academy • Summit Country Day
• Dublin Jerome HS • Sycamore HS
• Hathaway Brown HS • Sylvania Southview HS
• Indian Hills HS • Talawanda HS
• Kings HS • Thomas Worthington HS
• Lake HS Uniontown • Westerville North HS
• Lake Ridge Academy
• Notre Dame Cathedral Latin HS
• Olivia Davidson Washington
• Orange HS
• Perry HS
• Portsmouth HS
• Reading Community HS

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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

Grant is currently a sophomore at Middle School


Emory University, studying chemistry Mock Trial Showcase
In May of 2014, OCLRE hosted its and philosophy. The analytical skills March 24, 30 & 31
Tim Kalgreen
inaugural Moot Court Competition. he learned in Moot Court help him (614) 485-3515 or tkalgreen@oclre.org
At that time, Ohio was only the with his studies on a regular basis.
third state in the country to hold a However, the greatest lesson he learned
Moot Court Competition
competition of this kind. Although the from Moot Court was empowerment. May 5
concept was ambitious, the outcome “After standing in front of those Caitlyn Smith
was successful. judges in the Supreme Court of Ohio (614) 485-3507 or csmith@oclre.org
I felt like I could go so much farther.”
More than 60 students participated Youth for Justice/Project
that first year and Grant Osborn was Moot Court focuses on the appellate Citizen Virtual Summit
one of them. As a junior at Springfield court process and is designed to May 10
provide students the opportunity to Ryan Suskey
High School, Grant had been active in
(614) 485-3506 or rsuskey@oclre.org
the Ohio Mock Trial program when present a simulated oral argument
he decided to also sign up for Moot and respond to questions posed by a
Court. When asked why, Grant said he panel of volunteer judges. Arguments Middle School We the
are evaluated on the application of the People State Showcase
wanted the experience. “Moot Court is May 17
an intellectual challenge,” he said. “It’s law to the facts of the case. For more Tim Kalgreen
really about showing your knowledge. information visit www.oclre.org/ (614) 485-3515 or tkalgreen@oclre.org
You don’t have to be a performer.” programs_mootcourt

Customized Professional Development


Groups of five or more teachers with at least one OCLRE member can
book a custom PD free at the location of your choosing. PD can be based
on any one of OCLRE’s seven student centered programs, or on topics
in civic education such as:

• Discussing Controversy in the Classroom


• Incorporating Primary Source Documents
• Inquiry Based Teaching

Contact rsuskey@oclre.org with questions, or to schedule a PD!

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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.

DONATING TO OCLRE IS EASY!


Simply fill out the form below and mail with payment to: OCLRE, 1700 Lake Shore Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43204
OR go to http://www.oclre.org/donate

At OCLRE, our core purpose is “to improve society by developing citizens


empowered wtih an understanding of our democratic system.” Our core values
are to provide quality service to educators, to provide excellence in programming
and to maintain a reputation for excellence in all that we do.

Donor Information (please print or type):

Name

Billing Address

City / State / Zip

Phone 1 / Phone 2

Email

I wish to give anonymously

Pledge Information:

I wish to support OCLRE with a gift of: $500 $250 $100 $75 $50 Other $

I plan to make this contribution in the form of: Cash Check

Gift will be matched by (company/family/foundation)

Matching Form Enclosed Matching Form will be forwarded

Acknowledgement Information:

This donation is: In Honor of In Support of In Memory of

If possible, please provide a name and address so we may notify the honoree:

Please make checks, corporate matches, or other gifts payable to OCLRE. 7


1700 Lake Shore Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43204
(p) 614.485.3510 • (f) 614.486.6221
www.oclre.org

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

Check www.oclre.org for 2017-2018 program dates, coming soon!

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