LegiSchool Project Programs and Contests

From: Herczog_Michelle Herczog_Michelle@lacoe.edu
Subject: LegiSchool Project Programs and Contests

The LegiSchool Project
Programs and Annual Contests

PSA Video Contest
What Would $1,000 Do For Your School?
The LegiSchool Project is currently seeking entries for their annual Public Service Announcement (PSA) Video Contest: What Would $1,000 Do For Your School? In the age of budget cuts, deficits, and spending caps, every little bit counts and $1,000 could go a long way toward improving your school. They invite high school students throughout California to break out their video cameras and create a 60-second PSA video showcasing what $1,000 would do for their school. One video from the individual category and one video from the class/club category will be selected as official prize-winning entries and the $1,000 prize money will be awarded directly to your school for the project highlighted in the video.
Entries must be postmarked by Friday, October 16, 2009.
Please see the attached announcement for details and share it with your students.
Additional flyers and/or entry forms are available at:
http://www.csus.edu/legischool

14th Annual Essay Contest
The Future of Education in California
All California students have been impacted in some way by the state's budget crisis and the direct effect it's had on education. Whether it is larger class sizes, reduced extracurricular activities or ill-maintained facilities,every school has its own story. So the question remains: where do California schools go from here? Students are asked to share their thoughts and views of the state's educational system, and explore what's working in California's schools and what they think the future holds for future students. Ten winning essayists will be invited to spend a day in Sacramento at LegiSchool's 14th Annual Student Legislative Summit, April 8, 2010, where the highlight of the day is the Student-Run Press Conference. Look for essay contest details and deadlines on our website in November, at:

www.csus.edu/legischool

Postmark deadline is Friday, January 22, 2010.


Photo Contest
California Through My Eyes
How do you envision California? What represents California to you? Poverty? Wealth? Technology? Farms? Water? Mountains? Towns? People? Cities? Cars? Hiking Trails? Family? Community? Landscapes? These are just some of the images that students are invited to photograph for LegiSchool’s annual photo contest. The photo can be of a person, place or anything–big or small. The FIRST PLACE winner will receive $100 and four runners-up will receive $50 each. Look for complete details in January.
Postmark deadline is Friday, May 7, 2010.

FREE State Government Curriculum Materials
Offered by The LegiSchool Project and The California Channel
Each DVD is accompanied by a Video Viewing Guide, which includes two pages of critical-thinking exercises and pertinent vocabulary for teachers to use as an assignment for students.

Understanding California’s Budget Process
With a budget of over $110 billion dollars, California ranks among the top 10 economies in the world! Imagine the work that goes into preparing a budget of this magnitude…The entire process takes roughly one year. This 8-minute video examines California’s budget process throughthe eyes of a family trying to balance their own budget. Emphasis is placed on the many players involved in the process, the constitutional constraints that dictate how the money is spent and the compromise needed to pass the budget with a 2/3 majority in the Legislature.

The Voting Process: YOU Have the Power!
This energetic 8-minute video gives students a step-by-step look at procedures for voting in California. The goal of the video is to give young, first-time voters the knowledge and confidence to become involved in our most cherished constitutional right, the democratic process. Registration, absentee ballots, resources (websites, phone numbers, etc.) and demonstrations of the three prevalent forms of voting systems in our state are given a thorough treatment.

The Initiative Process
This 8-minute video takes a step-by-step look at the initiative process and provides a strong message of civic involvement and personal empowerment. Daylight savings time and the banning of nuclear power plants are just two of the examples provided that illustrate the power of this important political tool of the people. Thomas Jefferson stated that “there is no safer depository of the ultimate power of society but the people themselves”—a frank recognition of the important role the initiative process plays in making law and placing the public in power to set this state's political agenda.

Checks & Balances: The Three Branches of State Government
This 10-minute video is geared toward helping students learn more about how our state legislative process works. The main premise for the lesson is that, as in the federal government, the framers of our state’s constitution wanted to be sure that no one branch of government would have too much power, so they divided the powers of the government into three equal branches.

How a Bill Becomes Law
Produced by the California Channel, this 10-minute video uses AB 2268, the Bicycle Helmet Law, to describe how a bill becomes law in California. Ideal for high school students, the video introduces concepts such as how a bill is authored, the process of first, second, and third readings, and how legislation is assigned to various committees within the Legislature.

State Government for Beginners Handout Binder
Looking for good, basic handouts about state government and the legislative process? Then this binder is for you!
Easy-to-duplicate handouts include:
• Legislative terminology
• A diagram and step-by-step description of the legislative process
• A sample bill with instructions on how to read legislation
• Voter registration and elections information
• Useful state government and political websites and much more!

To request any of these materials, please complete the enclosed order form.

The LegiSchool Project is a civic education collaboration between California State University, Sacramento and the State Legislature, administered by the Center for California Studies. LegiSchool’s mission is to engage young people in matters of public policy and state government by creating opportunities for students and state leaders to meet and share ideas on issues affecting Californians and by developing free high-quality government-oriented curriculum materials for California educators to enhance and help improve the quality of state government-related curriculum in our schools. For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact: Megan Thorall thorall@csus.edu (916) 278-7563.

December CISC History-SS Announcements

From: Gary Dei Rossi [mailto:gdeirossi@sjcoe.net]

This is the CISC History-Social Science report for December 2008.

The LegiSchool Project's Annual Essay Contest: Rules of the Road: Teen Cell Phone Ban (see attachment).

We are currently seeking entries for LegiSchool’s annual essay contest, Rules of the Road: Teen Cell Phone Ban. The contest is open to eleventh and twelfth grade students in California high schools. Ten essayists will be selected to win round trip travel to Sacramento to participate in LegiSchool’s 13th Annual Student Legislative Summit, on April 2, 2009. At the Student Legislative Summit, winners will participate in a Student-Run Press Conference at the State Capitol with members of the Capitol Press Corps and legislative staff. Entries must be postmarked by Friday, January 23, 2009. Please see the attached announcement for details and share it with your students. For more information or additional fliers please visit our website at: http://www.csus.edu/legischool.
The LegiSchool Project is a civic education collaboration between California State University, Sacramento and the State Legislature, administered by the Center for California Studies. LegiSchool’s mission is to engage young people in matters of public policy and state government by creating opportunities for students and state leaders to meet and share ideas on issues affecting Californians and by developing free high-quality government-oriented curriculum materials for California educators to enhance and help improve the quality of state government-related curriculum in our schools. For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact me at thorall@saclink.csus.edu or (916) 278-7563.
Megan Thorall LegiSchool Coordinator Center for California Studies California State University, Sacramento


2009 Horace Mann-Abraham Lincoln Fellowships (see attachments).
This is a wonderful opportunity for any teacher (K-12) to attend a five day institute in June or July at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois. The fellowship includes round trip transportation, lodging and most meals. The deadline to apply is Feb. 12, 2009. Here is the link for those that wish to apply: https://www.horacemann.com/alf/. If there are any questions please give call Jacob Gunter, Product Specialist-- office 209-472-3640 cell 209-481-7574.

November CDE Newsletter (see attachment).
From Kristen Cruz at CDE.

The US and The World Education Act (HR 7063)(see attachment).
On September 25, 2008, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez introduced the US and the World Education Act that will help prepare students for success in a globally connected world. The legislation would establish educational grants to help prepare America's youth for competition in a global marketplace emphasizing 21st Century Skills. The groundbreaking legislation will provide opportunities for teachers to be trained in standards based international education professional development, and allow districts to support partnerships with heritage language schools and international studies programs to supplement academic and global literacy. A copy of the Bill is attached. For more information, please see www.usandtheworld.org

Civic Mission of Schools Update: OpEd Blitz Across the Nation Promotes Civic Education for America’s Youth
The recent presidential election has energized Americans, and particularly young people, to become actively engaged citizens by voting, campaigning, debating, and impacting public policy at local, state, and national levels of our democracy. The Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, led by Executive Director Ted McConnell, has led a nationwide media blitz to continue the momentum for promoting civic education in our schools. (This was published by Michelle Herczog from LACOE.)

"School Administrator Magazine" The October issue, published by Coalition member the American Association of School Administrators, was dedicated to the civic mission of schools, with powerful articles by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Carl Glickman, Charles Haynes, Terry Pickeral, Peter Levine, Matt Leighninger and Shelley Berman. To view these great articles go to http://www.aasa.org/sa, look at 'back issues', and click on the October 2008 issue.

"Public School Insights," First Alliance Newsletter: Justice Sandra Day O'Connor on Turning Students into Citizens. Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor offers ideas for reinvigorating civics education in American public schools. Among her recommendations: more time for civics, better civics curriculum and more dynamic teaching. Read more...
http://www.publicschoolinsights.org/?storyId=8484&lk=7332346-7332346-0-34057-cZ-i-IHfvaq50jik-JzF0Dnt6FeruL6n

"Believe in What You Teach": An Interview with Award-Winning Civics Teacher Cheryl Cook-Kallio
Cheryl Cook-Kallio puts her money where her mouth is. After decades of teaching civics in American public schools, she won a seat on the Pleasanton, California City Council. She recently told us about her innovative, hands-on approach to civic education. Read more... http://www.publicschoolinsights.org/?storyId=23506&lk=7332346-7332346-0-34057-cZ-i-IHfvaq50jik-JzF0Dnt6FeruL6n

Closing the "Civic Achievement Gap": A Conversation with Harvard Researcher Meira Levinson
Meira Levinson warns of a civic achievement gap that is every bit as troubling as academic achievement gaps. Poor students and students of color lag behind their peers in civic knowledge and engagement. Even worse, they are far less likely to believe they can make a difference through civic action. Levinson spoke with us about these gaps--and what schools can do to narrow them. Read more... http://www.publicschoolinsights.org/?storyId=23549&lk=7332346-7332346-0-34057-cZ-i-IHfvaq50jik-JzF0Dnt6FeruL6n

Tackling the "Empowerment Gap": An Interview with Award-Winning Superintendent Shelley Berman
As the celebrated superintendent of Hudson, Massachusetts schools, Dr. Sheldon Berman distinguished himself as one of the nation's leading champions of civic education. Since coming to Louisville, Kentucky a year ago, Berman has maintained his passionate commitment to civics. He recently spoke with us about his work in Jefferson County Public Schools. Read more... http://www.publicschoolinsights.org/?storyId=23575&lk=7332346-7332346-0-34057-cZ-i-IHfvaq50jik-JzF0Dnt6FeruL6n

Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition, The California Museum at 1020 O St. reports having been selected by the Library of Congress as the first of five institutions to host the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition that will be travelling through the states next year. The exhibit celebrating our sixteenth president's 200th birthday will be in Sacramento from June24 to Aug. 24 for its only stop west of The Rockies. Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation will serve as the centerpiece of the 3500 square-foot exhibit. Some less heralded historical items will be on display as well, such as the contents of his pockets the night he was assassinated. Along with Sacramento, the exhibit stops in Chicago, Indianapolis, Atlanta and Omaha. For more information please contact: Ashley Robinson 916-651-3030.

Gilder Lehrman Collection: Featured document: The Gettysburg Address.

145 years ago, on November 19, 1863, four months after the Battle of Gettysburg, a ceremony was held to dedicate a cemetery for the Union dead. President Lincoln had been invited to make a "few appropriate remarks" at the cemetery's consecration. Drawing upon the biblical concepts of suffering, consecration, and resurrection, he described the war as a momentous chapter in the global struggle for self-government, liberty, and equality. To examine an early printing of this address from the Gilder Lehrman Collection, click here: http://www.gilderlehrman.org/collection/docs_current.html

Lincoln Resources-- Celebrate the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth this February 2009 with resources from the Gilder Lehrman Collection. Resources include:

• The new 2009 Lincoln calendar, featuring images of people and events in the President’s life and a historical fact about Lincoln for every day of the year.


• Document booklets, such as Wilberforce, Lincoln, and the Abolition of Slavery.


• Posters featuring photographs of Lincoln as well as some of his most famous documents.


• Abraham Lincoln: History in a Box, which includes a resource book and CD of documents, artwork, maps, study questions, posters, and an interactive DVD.

All Gilder Lehrman resources can be found in the History Shop: http://www.gilderlehrmanstore.org

You can also sign up to receive the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission's free classroom poster. The front side, suitable for classroom display, is a portrait of Lincoln, while the reverse contains resources for educators, offering suggestions for incorporating Lincoln's legacy into the classroom. To request this poster, please call (202) 707-6998 or visit the "For Teachers" page on the Bicentennial Commission's website: http://www.abrahamlincoln200.org

John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest for High School Students--The annual John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest invites high school students from across the nation to write an original essay about an elected official who has demonstrated political courage. The contest is a companion program of the Profile in Courage Award, named for President Kennedy’s 1957Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Profiles in Courage, which recounts the stories of eight senators, the obstacles they faced, and the special valor they demonstrated despite the risks.

Winning essayists will receive awards totaling up to $8,500. The first-place winner will be invited to accept the award at the Profile in Courage Award Ceremony hosted each May by Caroline Kennedy and Senator Edward M. Kennedy at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. To encourage student leadership and civic engagement, the nominating teacher of the first-place winner will receive a John F. Kennedy Public Service Grant for $500.

The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation gratefully acknowledges Fidelity Investments for their generous support of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest. For more information, please visit
here.

Bicentennial of Lincoln's Birth--February 12, 2009 will mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission was created following the passage of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Act in 2000. The Commissioners are focused on informing the public about the impact Abraham Lincoln had on the development of our nation and finding the best possible ways to honor his accomplishments.

For free classroom resources and more information please visit: http://www.lincolnbicentennial.gov/


Gary F. Dei Rossi, CISC History-Social Science Committee Co-Chair

ORIAS UPDATE 10-6-08

From: ORIAS [mailto:orias@berkeley.edu]


OFF-CAMPUS EVENTS

1. Manga/Anime Drawing Contest (flyer)

As a kick-off event of the Celebration of Japanese Culture, 2008, the University of the Pacific Library and a few community co-sponsors are once again hosting a statewide Manga/Anime Drawing Contest. The purpose of this contest is to promote cultural understanding and appreciation of this unique form of Japanese pop culture. The theme for this year's contest is “Fantastic Four.” Entries must be received no later than Oct. 24, 2008.

The contest is divided into 4 divisions: Grades K-4, Grades 5-8, Grades 9-12, and the Adult division (college and beyond). A panel of judges will select 6 finalists for each division. The public will have a chance to select the winners by voting online “American Idol” style between Oct. 31 and Nov. 9. All finalists will be invited to an award ceremony on Nov. 15. Winners will be announced at the award ceremony. Prizes for the contest will consist of trophies, cash and other awards.

More information about the contest can be found at http://library.pacific.edu/contest.

Contact: Cynthia Hsieh, Head of Technical Services/Assistant Professor
University Library, University of the Pacific
3601 Pacific Ave.
Stockton, CA 95211
Tel: (209)946-2571

Email: chsieh@PACIFIC.EDU

2. East Asian Regional Materials and Resources Center (EARMARC) fall 2008 East Asian video workshop

Saturday, October 25 in Robinson Hall 137 on the CSU East Bay Hayward campus.

This program will screen the following videos:

· Kokoyaku – follows two high school baseball players in Japan

· Fine Rain: Politics and Folk Songs in China
China’s Convenience Store War – the dog-eat-dog competition between local and foreign-owned chains

· The Rape of Nanking – a French documentary on the Japanese occupation of Nanking

Contact: E. Bruce Reynolds (Director)

East Asian Regional Materials and Resources Center
History Department, San José State University
San José, CA 95192-0117
Phone: (408) 924-5523 EARMARC’s lending library provides audio-visual materials for high school and college students in Northern California. It currently holds hundreds of videos and many films which are related to China, Japan, and Korea. The collection also includes slide sets and audio materials. Almost all areas of East Asian society and culture are covered. Items are available on request to teachers in a university, college, or secondary school in Northern California as long as they are to be used for education purposes.

3. Teacher Workshop: Civic Engagement in the Classroom - October 29, 2008

World Savvy, ITVS, and KQED are sponsoring an evening workshop on engaging students in civic education and providing resources on teaching about democracy. Discuss youth civic engagement, learn about the state of democracy around the world, and receive free resources from the three sponsoring organizations. Event will be from Wed., Oct. 29 from 6:00-7:30 (with refreshments available at 5:30) at KQED, 2601 Mariposa Street, San Francisco.
To RSVP, email Roseli Ilano at roseli_ilano@itvs.org.
See also the online elections resources below.


LEGISLATION

4. H.R.7063 United States and the World Education
Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez introduced the United States and the World Education Act, H.R. 7063 on September 25 drafted by Ron Herring, Executive Director of the California International Studies Project. The legislation incorporates his 30+ years of experience in the professional development of California teachers to better prepare our youth for the global challenges they face. Ron's draft is based on the February 2006 report by the Committee for Economic Development, Education for Global Leadership, the Importance of International and Foreign Language Studies for U. S. Economic and National Security. The legislation offers new federal incentives for states and school districts to adopt more globally focused curricula as it provides funds for professional development of prospective, future and in-service teachers in international education.

You may support this bill by urging your congressional representatives to endorse H.R.7063.

Find information on the bill at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-7063

Find information on contacting representatives at http://lwvc.convio.net/


ELECTION RESOURCES

5a. 2008 Presidential Election Resources

from KQED Education Network’s New Web Site for Social Studies & Language Arts Teachers - - www.kqed.org/HistoryEd

An Educator Resources section with classroom-ready lesson plans, student voter guides, links to partner sites and video clips from the documentaries “Please Vote for Me and Iron Ladies of Liberia”

5b. “Election ’08 and the Challenge of China” from USC

Where do Senators McCain and Obama stand on U.S.-China trade, security, environmental, and human rights issues? How important has policy toward China been in past elections and in 2008? These are the questions explored in a USC U.S.-China Institute documentary.

The online documentary has eight segments and has been produced for a general audience, though they hope educators will find it a useful tool to launch classroom discussions. The segments are:

Part 1: The Big Picture
Part 2: Tensions over Trade
Part 3: Human Rights
Part 4: Taiwan and China’ Military Buildup
Part 5: China’s Growing International Clout
Part 6: China in U.S. Campaign Politics
Part 7: McCain and China
Part 8: Obama and China

The documentary is available at the USC U.S.-China Institute (USCI) website (http://china.usc.edu) and at the Institute’s YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/USChinaInstitute). The USCI site also offers links to relevant speeches, government reports, agencies, and other materials. The YouTube site has a “watch high quality” option (just below the video player) that many may appreciate.

__________________________________________________

Michele Delattre, Program Representative
University of California Berkeley
ORIAS (Office of Resources for International and Area Studies
2223 Fulton Street Room 338 #2324
Berkeley CA 94720-2324
orias@berkeley.edu |510-643-0868 | http://orias.berkeley.edu

CDE History-Social Science Newsletter

From: Kristen Cruz [mailto:KCruz@cde.ca.gov]

Hello,

It is important that California district administrators and teachers are aware of the exciting HSS events and professional development opportunities within the state.

Thank you,

Kristen Cruz, Consultant
California Department of Education
1430 N Street, Room 4309
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-323-6407

Fax: 916-323-2807

kcruz@cde.ca.gov

Back to School News from the California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools

From: Constitutional Rights Foundation [mailto:crf@crf-usa.org]

Welcome back to school! Below are some immediate civic education opportunities for you to share with your schools, as well as a few updates on campaign work done during the summer.

MOCK ELECTION

California Secretary of State Debra Bowen is again sponsoring the popular Mock Election program and is expanding it to include middle schools. Hundreds of schools participated last year, and we are looking forward to big turn out with middle schools involved. Schools that sign up can print free materials from the website. So please have your schools register soon at: http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/studentmockelection.htm

AB 2544

We are disappointed to report that AB 2544, sponsored by Assembly Members Mullins and DeSaulnier, requiring the State Superintendent of Public Instruction to create a model civic education professional development plan for California was not enacted in this legislative session. Though it passed the Assembly easily by 71-3, sailed through Senate Education Committee with a 9-0 vote, and enjoyed broad support from more than a dozen statewide education groups, representing thousands of members, it died in the Senate Appropriations Suspense file with many other bills as a result of the state budget crisis. We are actively working to learn more and to evaluate next steps.

HISTORY SOCIAL SCIENCE SUMMIT

CMS is partnering with the History Social Science Project on a new statewide movement to fight back against the marginalization of History and Social Science in California schools. The initiative was launched in May with the first of a series of History Summits, and has developed free tools for educators to use when they face cutbacks in history and social science education. To access advocacy resources and learn more about the History Summits, visit: http://historysummit.ucdavis.edu

CRITICAL LEGISLATION: AJR 64 Adopted in State Assembly and Senate

From: H-SSOrganizations@lws.lacoe.edu [mailto:H-SSOrganizations@lws.lacoe.edu]
On Behalf Of Herczog_Michelle

California History-Social Science
Legislative Update

Assembly Joint Resolution No. 64
Pupil Testing and Secondary Education

Authored by
Gene Mullin
State Assemblymember and
Chair of the Assembly Committee on Education

Adopted in the State Assembly- August 12, 2008
Adopted in the State Senate - August 27, 2008
Chaptered by the Secretary of State – September 19, 2008

Key items of the resolution are included below. A copy of the entire resolution is attached.

This measure would urge the 110th Congress to recognize the importance of curriculum and instruction covering all subjects, including history/social science, science, art, music, and physical education, when Congress considers reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. This measure also would urge school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools to focus on teaching the whole child in a wider curriculum and would urge the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction to consider and recommend alternatives for including all subjects in the state assessment and accountability system.

Resolved, That the Legislature of the State of California urges the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction to consider and recommend alternatives for including all subjects in the assessment and accountability system of the state, including, but not limited to, the integration of core subject-matter standards and grade-level appropriate history/social science and science content into literacy and mathematics questions, without further reducing