North Louisiana Symposium on Law Related Education
A professional development workshop and introduction to We the People, a program designed to assist teachers in motivating social studies students, was held on May 14, 2009 at Squire Creek. Centrally located, Squire Creek is in Choudrant, Louisiana and is within driving distance of both the northeastern and northwestern sections of the state. Over 70 teachers, principals and supervisors attended. To view photos from this event please click here.
"We the People...The Citizen and the Constitution"
Congressional District and State Simulated Congressional Hearing Competitions
"We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution" is a national program directed by the Center for Civic Education and funded by the United States Department of Education by act of Congress. Based on curriculum designed to promote a deeper understanding of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, the goal is to promote civic competence and responsibility among elementary and secondary students. Each year high school students compete and demonstrate their mastery of the Constitution. The LCLCE hosts the Congressional District Competition. Winners of the Congressional District Competition go on to compete in the statewide competition. The state champions travel to Washington D.C. in the spring to represent their state in the We the People national finals.
The State Wide Competition was held on February 6, 2009 at the Jefferson Parish Courthouse, Gretna, LA. The winning team was from John Ehret High School. They went on to represent Louisiana in the National Competition on April 25, 2009 in Washington D.C. To read more on the state competition click here.
"Teen Crime And The Community/Community Works"
This program combines education and action to enlighten youth about their chances of victimization and what they can do about it. While one out of every two teens changes their behavior because of fear of crime in their communities, nine out of ten teens are willing to do something to stop crime.
This pool of untapped energy, talent, and enthusiasm is where TCC draws its power and action. TCC utilizes the strengths of young people by educating them and providing them with the opportunity to serve their communities. Program can be implemented into schools, after school programs, civic clubs, juvenile justice settings, and all agencies that work with youth. TCC is a joint program of the National Crime Prevention Council and Street Law, Inc, with substantial funding from OJJDP, OJP, USDOJ. In Louisiana, the LCE offers training opportunities for those interested in the program.
Open Doors to Federal Courts
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana (New Orleans, La.)
This program is offered in partnership with the Federal Court and is made available to high school seniors attending schools in the 13 parishes that comprise the Eastern District of Louisiana. These students are invited into the Court for a day long program conducted in conjunction with the Administrative Office of the Court^s outreach effort.
The objective of the program is to aid in teaching about the role, structure and operations of the federal court in an interactive way, to put a human face on the justice system and to make students aware of the role of the court in balancing liberties and community safety. Local courthouses across the country open their doors in November each year.
"Order in the Court!!!" Calling All Members of the Louisiana legal community!
Have you ever wanted to visit a classroom but did not know what or who to call to
arrange the visit? The LCLCE^s "Order in the Court!!!" program is designed to help
you in your efforts to enhance the public^s awareness and understanding of the
Louisiana judiciary and system through classroom and/or courtroom visits.
One of the components of the "Order in the Court!!!" program is the availability of a lesson plan that helps students understand the role of Louisiana Courts. Students will learn the function of the individual courts. They will also then be given scenarios that will result in the matter being taken to the court and the student will have to identify the correct court as the matter travels through the system.
If you would like to sign up to work with a school, or need help finding a classroom, contact LCLCE at peggy.cotogno@lsba.org.
If you are an educator, and are interested in having an in class presentation from a member of the legal community contact peggy.cotogno@lsba.org.
Youth Summit
Day-long event provides students in grades 7-12 with a forum to develop a deeper understanding of our legal system and engage them in the learning process about the jury system, the United States Constitution, respecting law-enforcement and the difference between mediation and litigation.
Lawyers, judges and law enforcement officers through interactive law-related education activities will discuss actual legal cases that impact our children^s daily lives. Schools select a team of five students and one teacher leader to attend the youth summit.
Teen Parents and the Law (TPAL)
TPAL is a comprehensive, interactive curriculum to help teen parents navigate the maze of legal issues related to parental rights and responsibilities. This program provides teen parents with access to legal resource people to reduce the risk associated with domestic violence.
The Program focuses upon the following topics:
Contact the LCLCE to schedule a presentation and learn more. (504) 619.0134 or peggy.cotogno@lsba.org
Student Career Exploration Post
The LCLCE is a Law Explorer Post for Southeast Louisiana providing youth a forum in which they meet with legal professionals, civic and community leaders to learn more about a particular law-related profession. They also participate in Law and Civic programs that have them examine through role play scenarios , case studies and field trips the inner workings of the law and the legal system and the role that they as young people play in a democratic society. Monthly meetings are held at the Louisiana Bar Center.
Y-Vote
The LCLCE formed a partnership with the Louisiana Secretary of State and the Louisiana
Department of Education to educate students as to the the History of the Right to Vote and its
importance by providing lesson plans and making voting booths available for student government elections. A
second element of the program is in partnership with the Youth Leadership Initiative, wherein the LCLCE provides Louisiana students the ability to participate in upcoming Congressional elections via their favorite tool, the Internet. Your students can now participate and "vote" via an electronic mock election.
