Legislative Semester

The Legislative Semester is a nonpartisan semester-long civics and government curriculum that empowers high school students with the skills for civil discourse, information literacy, knowledge about our system of government, and convictions that are needed for a vibrant democracy for generations to come. Over students at 25 school in 6 states have built civic knowledge, political efficacy, and open-minded political engagement through their experience with the program."I am the person I am today because of the influence this class had on me. This class has helped me and so many others become more informed on our future and it helped me make decisions on what I'd like our future to look like."- student at Middleton High School, Middleton, WI Daily discussion of controversial issues is at the center of the course, as students learn about the defining issues that frame political debate and evaluate their own ideas and beliefs. Students choose and research issues, write bills, and lobby their peers. They learn to value multiple perspectives, hold each other accountable for using credible sources, and work to compromise or build consensus about their proposals. The program has a strong emphasis on using civil discourse and inclusive participation to ensure that every voice is heard.