The University of Central Arkansas will host a We The People: The Citizen and the Constitution Institute, sponsored by the Center for Civic Education, June 12-18, 2005. This program will be funded by a grant from the Center for Civic Education and offers a three-credit hour, graduate-level education institute for teachers in grades 3-12. The grant covers all expenses for the participants, including room and board, educational materials, and travel to and from Conway. Tuition is not covered. The deadline to apply is May 30th.
This course is designed for educators who teach civics and government either as a specific course or as part of another subject. Its purpose is to enable teachers to become more effective in teaching civics by providing the tools needed for a deeper understanding of the U.S. Constitution.
The institute at the University of Central Arkansas will follow a one-week format where participants reside on campus while completing this intensive training course. Incorporated into basic instruction will be presentations by scholars with expertise in civics education with emphasis on the U.S. Constitution, panel discussions, field trips, and lesson plan projects - all to meet the standards and guidelines as set by the Center for Civic Education and to fulfill the university's requirements for graduate credit. Spearheading this program at the University of Central Arkansas will be Dr. Jeff Whittingham from the Department of Middle/Secondary Education and Instructional Technologies.
Topics will include the following:
What are the historical and philosophical foundations of the American political system?
How did the framers create the Constitution?
How have the protections of the Bill of Rights been developed and expanded?
What rights does the Bill of Rights protect?
What are the roles of the citizen in the American Democracy?
How did the values and principles embodied in the Constitution shape American institutions and practices?
For more information, contact Shaneil Ealy, Professional Development Coordinator at UCA, at 501-450-5275 or sealy@uca.edu.