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:
Making a Difference in the Classroom
By Robin Lashley
Teacher at Middleburg Heights Junior High, outside of Cleveland
The James Madison Legacy Project is by far one of the best professional
development opportunities that I have ever been involved with. I
have gained new background knowledge and my students are highly
engaged in the We the People curriculum.
I have been an educator for 23 years and currently teach an 8th
grade U.S. History class. I have found that the curriculum aligns
perfectly with a large portion of the Ohio Grade 8 Social Studies
Learning Outcomes. The textbooks provided through this
program are fantastic. The students are better able to understand
complex concepts (social contract theory, The Great Compromise,
and judicial review, just to name a few) due to the straight-forward
writing and realistic examples. The program will immerse teachers
in the role of a student as you use the materials to prepare for a
simulated congressional hearing as part of the experience.
My students are very excited about the simulated congressional
hearings that they will be involved in at the end of the program.
They are fully engaged in reading and applying primary source
materials as they prepare for the hearings. //cont. P2
In This Issue
Law & Citizenship Conference 3
Why OCLRE? 4
Congratulations! 5
Moot Court: A Students Perspective 6
We Need You! 7
www.oclre.org
One More Thing?
Introducing the C3
Framework
By Ryan Suskey, Director of Professional
Development & Programs
Here at OCLRE, we are excited about the
possibilities raised by the new College,
Career and Civic Life (C3) Framework.
It is not a collection of new standards, but
rather a shell into which teachers insert
pre-existing content and curricular aims.
C3 Framework represents a return to best
practices and the pursuit of knowledge
through questions. The framework
encourages students to ask and answer
the big questions, and then apply that
learning to doing something. Students
explore topics like power, purposes of
government, and the impact of citizens
and then translate their explorations into
concrete outcomes by advocating for
change, engaging with decision makers,
and informing their peers of their
conclusions. //cont. P3
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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 seasons highlights.

INFLUENCE: I never would have

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

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 Nations 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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