Practical and Sensible Implementation

What is it and Why?

The federal mandate to “hold an educational program on the United States Constitution” can be interpreted in multiple ways. What may make it difficult for some educators is the lack of direction about how to do it right. Keep in mind that Senator Byrd’s purpose for sponsoring the mandate was to respond to concerns that young people, as well as some adults, lack an in-depth understanding of the Constitution.  This is one way to raise a level of awareness and change the trend of ignorance.

Yes, all students are to experience a “Constitution Day program” and not just those students who happen to have social studies that day. While you must address the Constitution, there is no set requirement as to what teachers should do in their classrooms.  

With that in mind, if you lack knowledge yourself, the websites found in the Online Resources will provide some useful information about teaching the Constitution.  If needed, consult with a social studies colleague on making connections to the standards and benchmarks you are responsible for teaching during the first weeks of school.

Expectations

You do not have to teach the whole Constitution in one day. Moreover, there is no requirement about how you address the Constitution in your classroom on this day. At a minimum you must expose students to the United States Constitution in some way that increases their understanding of the document to some degree appropriate for their age group.

How?

The Constitution affects us everyday of our lives. There are numerous examples in the news each day related to students’ lives and the content standards and benchmarks. Any current public issue question is bound to have a connection to the Constitution. Citizens who carry out their civic responsibilities become informed on issues affecting their community, state, and nation.

Know that the foundation for understanding the Constitution is being able to explain the purposes of government. Early elementary teachers could spend time teaching the prerequisite Core Democratic Values, and every later elementary, middle school, and high school teacher could spend time reviewing the Preamble and model how purposes of government being carried out in current events relates to their subject matter.

The Online Resources have been updated for Constitution Day 2008 after an extensive Google search. You will find a list of several Internet sites that provide resources that will save you time with preparation. A lot of work has already been done. You will find not only lesson plans for each grade level cluster, but you will also find primary sources, videos, graphics, animated timelines, and explanations of each part of the Constitution.

Final Note

It is hoped that all students would receive more than just 13 days of instruction about the Constitution during their K-12 education experience. In order to maintain a representative democracy with limited government and to preserve our freedoms, knowledge about the U.S. Constitution is a necessity. This mandated, flexible Constitution Day program is one additional way we can all participate in creating in-depth knowledge of the U.S. Constitution for students and citizens.  

For more information contact Roy Sovis at (810) 591-4520 or via email at rsovis@geneseeisd.org.