America's Legislators Back to School Program
Comments from the Classroom
Take a peak at what students, teachers and legislators are saying about the America's Legislators Back to School Program. The event is designed to teach young people--the nation's future voters and leaders--what it's like to serve as an elected official: the processes, the pressures, and the debate, negotiation and compromise that are the very fabric of representative democracy. By entering the classroom and listening to students' perspectives, legislators are able to initiate a dialogue while letting American youth know that their ideas count.
2006/2007 Back to School Program Comments
Following are a sample of comments from students, teachers and legislators compiled from over 465 evaluations received to date.
Fourth to Sixth Grade Students
Middle/ Junior High School Students
High School Students
Teacher/ Principals
Legislators
Fourth to Sixth Grade Students
When asked one thing they learned from the legislator, students responded:
"The government does care what you think."
"I learned that our state legislators want your ideas."
"That even if you aren't old enough to vote, your idea still counts."
"I learned that you should speak up and talk to your legislators."
"That your ideas count and that if we didn't have government we wouldn't have roads, parks and lots more."
Middle/Junior High School Students
When asked one thing they learned from the legislator, students responded:
"That even though you think that you are not heard, you are."
"That we make a difference."
"One person can make a difference if they stand up for what they believe in."
"That if you feel strongly about an idea, if you are for or against it, you can go and have your voice heard and testify or support the idea."
"I learned the process of how a bill become a law, and that it takes awhile."
"One thing I learned from the legislator was that they are normal people just like me."
High School Students
When asked one thing they learned from the legislator, students responded:
"That I need to vote."
"I learned about the process of passing a bill."
"I learned that everyone's opinion matters in some way."
"That compromise is essential."
Teacher/ Principal Comments:
"Mr. Higdon presented information today in a way that my 5th grade students could easily grasp the meaning. He was enthusiastic, patient, sincere and involved the students in the discussion often. I appreciate his annual visit and how his presentation affects the concepts I teach in my government unit." Tammy Parman, Calvary Elementary School, Kentucky
"We felt very honored that Senator Seliger took the time to come and visit with our students. Not only did they learn a great deal, he encouraged them to ask questions. He definitely had a "captivated" audience!" Shelly Rash, Gonzales Elementary School, Texas
"It was a wonderful and positive experience. The children enjoyed the visit and benefited from it in many ways. Their sparked interest was wonderful and their questions were very thought-provoking. I was pleased to see a genuine interest in government." Rebecca Owens, Gonzales Elementary School, Texas
"Senator Stine and Representative Fischer were fantastic! They exceeded the high expectations I had for them. They were both informative and entertaining. My students and I learned a lot from their presentation. Forty-eight fourth and fifth graders sat spellbound watching this "dynamic duo" for 75 minutes! They displayed lots of energy and enthusiasm and I only wish I had taped their presentation for others to see. They really got my students excited and interested in our government!" Dave Schlacter, St. Catherine Elementary School, Kentucky
Legislator comments about why they participated:
"I believe it is very important to explain representative government -- encourage representative government and extol its virtues. Thank you!" Honorable Susan Lynn, State Representative, Tennessee
"As a mayor, state regulatory official and legislator, I have spoken in lots of schools. I love connecting young people with the system, the process, and the responsibilities of government." Honorable Kel Seliger, State Senator, Texas
"I think it is important for legislators to talk with our youth so they become interested in the political process." Honorable Paul Seaton, State Representative, Alaska
"To educate our young adults; expose them to politics... A truly wonderful experience." Honorable Cindy Hiner, State Representative, Montana
2005/2006 Back to School Program Comments
Following are a sample of comments from students, teachers and legislators compiled from over 1,700 evaluations received.
Fourth to Sixth Grade Students
Middle/ Junior High School Students
High School Students
Teacher/ Principals
Legislators
Fourth to Sixth Grade Students
When asked one thing they learned from the legislator, students responded:
"A way you can communicate with your legislators or delegates is to write emails, send letters, and call them on the phone."
"Legislators have to listen to a lot of ideas before they make a decision."
"It takes a lot of work to listen to thousands of people and their ideas."
"People need to vote for things they want."
"When I grow up I can be a legislator."
"If a bill gets rejected from the governor, it is called a veto."
"The government has to have taxes to pay for stuff. If you don't pay taxes there would not be anything."
Middle/Junior High School Students
When asked one thing they learned from the legislator, students responded:
"Getting involved with your government is important."
"Arguing is good. Compromise is a good thing, not a sell-out."
"Legislators are average people. I thought they were rich."
"The government is very important for our daily life. It's not that boring after all."
"If I think something needs to be changed, I should take action instead of whining."
"I learned what it felt like to be a part of an actual assembly- the discussions, debates, and voting- and loved it. It was fun and interesting to discuss and debate over the actual bill. At first, voting seemed like a natural yes (prohibiting smoking in indoor public places,) but when taken into consideration the negative effects, you have to think hard about it. I really enjoyed this experience and would definitely recommend it."
"I learned how my local government operates, and liked debating the bill. It sparked my interest in public service."
"When trying to get a bill passed, you must think of everyone who is affected by it and how they would feel if the bill is made into law."
High School Students
When asked one thing they learned from the legislator, students responded:
"I want to run for office some day."
"Registering to vote is very important."
"Our politicians actually do something rather than just mudslinging and being petty."
"I really can have an impact on local government."
"Don't be afraid to speak up."
Teacher/Principal comments:
"This was a great opportunity for one class. Small group is definitely better than trying to talk to a full large auditorium. Students were impressed that a delegate would come to their classroom." Carol Dargan, Plum Point Elementary, Maryland
"Our class enjoyed having Senator Alan Lowenthal. They especially enjoyed being able to ask him questions and we appreciated his candid responses. Thanks for coming to our classroom." Linda Wohlman, Bancroft Middle School, California
"Having a state senator speak to our class not only showed the students that democracy has a human face, but also how important the work they as students do as representatives of the future. This is an exceptional program. Wow!" Mike Albert, Southgate Middle School, California
"Senate President Pro Tem Katie Stine did an amazing job with my students. She made it enjoyable for all of them. She spoke to them on their level and made everyday connections to their life. Great job!!" Lisa Ritter, Fourth Street Elementary School, Newport, Kentucky
"The program made the students aware of the law-making process in a much more positive way than reading it in a textbook." Barbara Gallo, Marlboro Middle School, New Jersey
"This was an outstanding and yet helpful informational presentation. Representative Beverly Bruce discussed topics that the students were interested in and most important they interacted with her. My students said the motivation that she provided encouraged them to do better in class." Barthlomew Claiborne, Pelican All-Saints High School, Louisiana
"In the classrooms of today it is so very crucial that we model and demonstrate outstanding citizenship on a daily basis. I can't think of a better way to demonstrate these pillars of character than to have elected officials visit our classrooms and 'share' their roles as good citizens with us. Thank you to Assemblywoman Betty Karnette for doing just that!" Estelle Seaton, Mark Twain Elementary School, California
"Representative John Whitaker did a great job spending the day with our students. Not only did they learn from him, but he learned school issues that are critical to the job of a state legislator." Susan McCracken, Principal, Libertyville Elementary School, Iowa
"Delegate Herb McMillan gave an engaging "real world" view of why taking politics seriously is important to us all. Just after the classes ended, an exchange student from Germany stopped me in the hallway to tell me how much his visit meant to her. She said that his visit was the sort of event that would never happen in her school in Berlin. There, she said, politicians would not show the same respect for the voters." Charles M. Glanagan, The Key School, Annapolis, Maryland
Legislator comments about why they participated:
"It is one of the most meaningful programs that I am privileged to attend." Honorable Ray Rapp, State Representative, North Carolina
"I believe it's a great way for me to reach our youth on a personal level and teach them about democracy." Honorable Earl Garrison, State Senator, Oklahoma
"I think it's an outstanding program, and I plan to visit every school in my district before the year is out." Honorable Betty Karnette, State Assemblymember, California
"As a former school board chairman, I enjoy going into the classroom as often as possible. It was nice to be invited by several schools in my hometown." Honorable Susan Fisher, State Representative, North Carolina
"It is my goal and intention to visit some of my schools every year. The NCSL Back to School Program gives me materials and additional incentive." Honorable Carmine Boal, State Representative, Iowa
"I have found the classroom visits to be most rewarding. The students are interested, ask good questions and seem to enjoy the videos and handouts." Honorable Joan Andersen, State Representative, Montana
"I think it is very important for young people to understand how state government operates." Honorable Beverly Bruce, State Representative, Louisiana
Contacts:
For further information about the America's Legislators Back to School Program, please call (303) 364-7700, or send an email to BTSP@ncsl.org.
Updated March 8, 2007
Posted March 8, 2007
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