ABOUT THE LEGISLATIVE SEMESTER

The mission of the Legislative Semester is to empower students with the skills for civil dialogue, depolarization, and civic engagement by simulating authentic democratic processes. We support teachers with training and resources that emphasize student agency, relevant content, and a nonpartisan approach.

The Legislative Semester is a semester-long high school government and civics curriculum. Students explore their own perspectives on a variety of current political issues, learn to use civil discourse in discussing controversial topics, and assume leadership roles among their peers. Students come away empowered to play an active role as citizens in support of a thriving democracy, with enduring commitments to civic engagement and the skills to engage with complex issues in their schools, communities, and workplaces.

We work with teachers interested in adopting this renowned curriculum, and support teachers already using the program though a community of practice.

  • The impact of the Legislative Semester has been demonstrated through research.

  • Learn more about the power of this immersive experience on both teachers and students by reading student and educator testimonials.

  • Explore the major elements of the experience on our program page.

  • Teachers, access free resources and get started today through our curriculum page.

  • Contact us to learn more, or donate to support bring the Legislative Semester to more schools around the country!

The Legislative Semester relies on four key principles and two essential strategies that guide the design of the program, teacher practices, and instructional choices. These principles and practices are essential for achieving the transformative outcomes on student learning and engagement that go far beyond the content knowledge woven into the course.

CORE PRINCIPLES

Authentic

  • Maintain and enhance authentic elements of public meetings, state/federal legislative process

  • Use relevant contemporary issues as basis for discussion/ Focus on "open questions" that are the subject of legitimate political debate

  • Use agenda, parliamentary procedure, formal address ( eg. Ms. Koval, Rep. Koval)

  • Minimize use of grades/points and maximize interest and intrinsic motivation

Inclusive

  • Invite and encourage broad participation

  • Build skills for participation

  • Create multiple means for students to participate

  • Encourage expression of multiple viewpoints

Student Agency

  • Seek opportunities for meaningful student choice

  • Develop authentic perspectives and opinions

  • Value students life experiences are a source of knowledge

  • Facilitate reflection on learning

Teacher Neutrality

  • Do not disclose opinions on issues, let students drive debate.

  • Seek a fair hearing of multiple perspectives

  • Progressive transfer of authority to students

ESSENTIAL STRATEGIES

Immersive Experience

  • Students learn by doing, not being taught.

  • Reflection is a core component of consolidating student learning.

Engagement First

  • Hook students with relevant content and tasks with a purpose

  • Integrate content so that it connects to their interests and a purpose for learning

  • Provide "just in time" content, so that students see the need to learn the content to achieve their goals.

STUDENT OUTCOMES

  • Broad engagement and participation

  • Intrinsic motivation

  • Strong community and relationships

  • Empowered students

  • Increased civility

  • Skills and dispositions for lifelong civic engagement

  • Enhanced open-mindedness

  • Convictions about core principles of democracy