Join us for this newly redesigned institute that is a favorite among secondary teachers. Educators NOW have the option to choose from three different courses. You can choose which courses are most relevant to your learning needs. NOTE: Teachers will register for which courses they would like to attend.

The agenda(s) are divided into blocks of time spent with scholars and breakout sessions with consultants. During the sessions with consultants teachers will experience LRE resources to use to engage their students with the content.

Course One: Our Founding Documents -

These three days will focus on: • The Declaration of Independence • English and Early American influences on the development of the U.S. Constitution • The Constitutional Convention and a reenactment of the Federalist and Anti-Federalist debate • A walk through the seven articles of the Constitution.

Course Two: Our Amendments -

This day will build upon the learning from the first three days with a focus on the Amendments and a special discussion on Incorporation.

Course Three: Oyez Update - v

Join us for a “Talk with the Scholars” - LRE Scholars will provide insight into recent Supreme Court cases.

Participants in each session will receive:

• • All program materials
  • Law-Related Education materials which support the curriculum
  • CPE credit

This training is free of charge!

Kids need to understand civics too! Join us as we explore hands-on activities and children’s literature that will help teachers lay a foundation for teaching responsible citizenship and celebrating America’s beliefs and principles. The institute will provide resources to address the characteristics of good citizens, the need for rules and laws, and the respect for authority, as well as the symbols, customs, and celebrations that represent America’s identity.

These concepts are explored through guided and shared reading/writing opportunities appropriate for kindergarten through 3rd grade students. To support the teaching of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) a variety of rich materials such as historical children’s books, primary sources, poems, songs, and biographies are part of the professional learning.

This training is free of charge!

Civic Education at its finest!! Join us as we explore how to integrate language arts and social studies curriculum to build your students knowledge of civics. This institute provides professional development for teachers incorporating these social studies concepts: community, government, and history through content-area literacy best practices.

These concepts will be explored through reading/writing opportunities appropriate for 4th grade through 5th grade students. To support the teaching of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), a variety of rich materials such as children’s texts, primary sources, poems, songs, and biographies are part of the professional learning.

 This training is free of charge !!

In this two-day, 12-hour institute, the Law-Related Education (LRE) team identified TEKS that are challenging to American History students such as the Domestic and Foreign Policies of the Early Presidents, the Development of American Political Parties, and Reconstruction. Working with scholars and consultants, participants will learn and receive valuable methods and resources.

Content presentations are reinforced with practical activities which will be made available to participants. This institute is designed to target low performing 8th grade TEKS and to complement existing curriculum.

VIRTUAL TEACHING THE TOUGH TEKS 2020-2021

We have reconfigured the Teaching the Tough TEKS institute to virtually provide educators with both content and pedagogy support throughout the year. These courses will offer on-demand scholar content along with four live sessions to explore strategies to support teaching and learning.

The courses will begin in October and conclude in March and will feature four modules offered around the time that teachers will begin planning and teaching that content.  View this flyer for more information.

Dates and Times for Live Sessions - Course will open on October 26 so that participants may access content and activities prior to the first live session.

Domestic Issues of the Early Republic

• Thursday, October 29 from 4:45 - 6:15 p.m.

Foreign Policy of the Early Republic

• Saturday, November 7 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Origins of Political Parties

• Wednesday February 3 from 4:45 - 6:15 p.m.

Reconstruction

• Saturday, March 6 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Register Here

This training is free of charge !!

In this two-day, 12-hour institute, the Law-Related Education (LRE) team identified TEKS that are challenging to American History students such as Gilded and Progressive Era, New Deal, Cold War, and Civil Rights.

Working with scholars and consultants, participants will learn and receive valuable methods and resources. Content presentations are reinforced with practical activities which will be made available to participants.

This institute is designed to target low performing TEKS and to complement existing curriculum.

VIRTUAL TEACHING THE TOUGH TEKS 2020-2021

We have reconfigured the Teaching the Tough TEKS institute to virtually provide educators with both content and pedagogy support throughout the year. These courses will offer on-demand scholar content along with four live sessions to explore strategies to support teaching and learning.

The courses will begin in November and conclude in March and will feature four modules offered around the time that teachers will begin planning and teaching that content. View this flyer for more information.

Dates and Times for Live Sessions - Courses will open on October 28 so that participants may access content and activities prior to the first live session.

Changing Role of Government

• Saturday, November 7 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Conflict

• Saturday, December 5 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Civil Rights

• Saturday, February 6 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Science and Technology

• Saturday, March 20 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Register Here

This training is free of charge !!

In the 8th grade Ready, Set, Go—Reaching for the STAARS, the Law-Related Education team built upon the success of our Teaching the Tough TEKS training and identified another unit of study (Civil War) to support teachers and complement existing curriculum. The afternoon portion of the training will be devoted to resources and strategies to review for state assessments.

Working with consultants, participants will learn and receive valuable content, methods, and resources. Content presentations are reinforced with practical activities which will be made available to participants free of charge.

This training is free of charge !!

In the High School Ready, Set, Go—Reaching for the STAARS, the Law-Related Education team built upon the success of our Teaching the Tough TEKS training and identified another unit of study (Contemporary America: 1970s to Present) to support teachers and complement existing curriculum. The afternoon portion of the training will be devoted to resources and strategies to review for state assessments.

Working with consultants, participants will learn and receive valuable content, methods, and resources. Content presentations are reinforced with practical activities which will be made available to participants free of charge.

   

This training is free of charge !!

The Hatton W. Sumners Foundation, Law Focused Education, Inc., and the State Bar of Texas are proud to present Exploring the Ideals That Unite Us: Being An American.

This 12-hour institute is for secondary teachers who would like to explore the principles of the U.S. Constitution and the role these principles play in the structure of our national government.  Participants will also examine the U.S. Bill of Rights in conflict as well as a focus on American Heroes: Past and Present.

The Law-Related Education scholars and consultants will guide educators through the curriculum. Educators will receive a PDF copy of the Being An American: Exploring the Ideals That Unite Us curriculum created by the Bill of Rights Institute, lunch each day, and other Law-Related Education materials which support the curriculum.

THIS INSTITUTE IS FREE OF CHARGE !!!!

Join Law-Related Education in this two day institute that provides an opportunity for teachers to explore the eras of Texas history, the uniqueness of Texas government and events that have shaped modern Texas.

Learn, with scholars and consultants, how to stimulate student thinking using our new Texas History Event cards. Whether pre-teaching, reviewing, or differentiating a unit of study, these resources will improve your teaching. Participants will receive access to all materials.

THIS TRAINING IS FREE OF CHARGE !!

Join Law-Related Education scholars and consultants in this one-day update designed to address different aspects of public policy and the impact of interest groups, political parties, and the media. Explore U.S. Supreme Court cases and learn how to engage students with simulations and interactive activities. This course is also aligned with the new AP Government redesign.

Participants will receive access to all materials.

This training is free of charge.

Book It! Using Children’s Literature to Teach Law and Citizenship

Children’s literature offers a great avenue through which to teach students to be good citizens. Developing the core values of justice, respect for authority, truth, equality, and conflict resolution is integral to the social studies experience.

Teachers in this workshop will participate in TEKS correlated teaching activities based on children’s literature which require critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity. The books and complimentary activities link social studies with reading, language arts, and other content areas. Training's are designed to meet the needs of K-3rd grade teachers and/or 4th-5th grade teachers.

The Elementary and Secondary Workshops are examples of workshops that school districts can request from the Law-Related Education department.  We can also customize workshops based on your district’s needs.

Elementary Workshops

Book It! Using Children’s Literature to Teach Law and Citizenship

Children’s literature offers a great avenue through which to teach students to be good citizens. Developing the core values of justice, respect for authority, truth, equality, and conflict resolution is integral to the social studies experience. Teachers in this workshop will participate in TEKS correlated teaching activities based on children’s literature which require critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity. The books and complimentary activities link social studies with reading, language arts, and other content areas. (3-5)

City Government Simulation for The Elementary Classroom

Make city government comes alive in your classroom! Participants will receive a city government unit that includes activities for establishing a city government structure in the classroom and simulations such as electing government officials and conducting city council meetings. Students will even create a new city based on planning and zoning principles, incorporating knowledge of the services commonly provided by local governments. (3-5)

Teaching Children about Citizenship

Basic concepts such as the need for rules and laws, characteristics of good citizenship, respect for authority, belief in justice, truth, and responsibility as well as understanding symbols that represent American ideals will be covered. Participants will receive hands-on, interactive activities that promote creative and critical thinking skills, opportunities for decision-making and cooperative interaction. Materials are Social Studies and Language Arts TEKS correlated and include Gifted/Talented extensions. (K-2) OR (3-5)

Secondary Workshops

A World of Governments: Teaching the Sixth Grade Citizenship and Government TEKS in LRE Style

Having trouble finding suitable resources to teach the 6th grade government and citizenship TEKS? …. LRE Country Cards to the rescue! LRE Country Cards are brief descriptions of each of the countries mentioned in the TEKS, plus other countries that are mentioned in most districts’ curriculum. Each card focuses on type of government, branches of government, current human and civil rights or political climate, constitution ratification dates, and cultural features that may affect these governments. Also included are current economic data, religious information, and literacy that may affect the types of governments these countries. During this workshop participants will be given strategies and activities written specifically for these cards and an LRE scholar will provide content support.

Pondering the Progressives

Few periods in American history have had the political, economic, and social impact as the Progressive period. Topics covered in this workshop include a history of the origins of the period, the principle players, the political reforms, key Supreme Court decisions, and the international events that played an integral part in the shaping of the United States in the 20th century. With each topic, engaging lessons that stress critical thinking will be explored. (HS)

Texas History through the Constitutions of Texas

This session will be devoted to an examination of Texas’ colorful history through a study of the seven constitutions under which Texas has existed. Throughout the presentation teachers will receive interactive lessons which can be adapted for their particular classroom.

The Bill of Rights and You!

Activities will be presented that will increase students’ understanding of principles and protections provided by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Participants will utilize strategies that encourage higher level thinking, decision-making skills, and citizenship education. (MS/HS)

The Evolution of Government

Beginning with the ancient world and continuing to modern times, the evolution of government, law and justice will be investigated in this workshop. Individuals who have had a role in this evolution will also be examined. The activities presented are designed to integrate TEKS objectives into the study of world cultures, world history, American history, and government. (MS/HS)

The Supreme Court is now in Session!

Teachers will receive background information on the U.S. Supreme Court. Topics will include justices, operation of the Court, and recent Supreme Court decisions that affect the United States constitutional system of government. Activities, strategies, and content support higher level thinking and current TEKS objectives. (HS)

Those Pertinent U.S. Principles—The Seven Principles of the U.S. Constitution During this session participants will participate in a review of the seven principles of the U.S. Constitution led by an LRE scholar. With the discussion of each, interactive lessons will be shared that are designed to help students analyze the role the principles play in the structure of our national government as well how these principles affect citizens’ lives. (MS/HS)

Those Pertinent Texas Principles—The Seven Principles of the Texas Constitution

Just like the U.S. Constitution, the current Texas Constitution has the same seven principles that explain the structure and function of the state government. During this session, these principles will be analyzed in a discussion with an LRE scholar. With the discussion of each principle, interactive lessons will be shared that are designed to help students see the role the principles play in the structure of the Texas government as well as how they affects citizens’ lives. (7TH)

Stepping Toward the Civil War and Reconstruction

This workshop will explore the critical years before the outbreak of the Civil War and the struggles to rebuild the nation. Activities that deal with the origins nullification and succession, the compromises that held off war, and the role of key individuals, Civil War Amendments, and the effects of Reconstruction.

All Level Workshops

Celebrating the Constitution: Engaging Constitutional Activities

This workshop is designed to meet the guidelines set forth in the federal law for Constitution Day, as well as the Texas guidelines for Celebrate Freedom week. Teachers will receive engaging activities to help achieve the intent of both laws. This is a three-hour workshop (K-12)

Expanding the Meaning of We the People

Participants will begin this workshop by exploring the meaning and significance of the opening words of the U.S. Constitution, “We the People.” Additionally, the expansion of this promise will be analyzed as it relates to the expansion of civil rights to all races and both genders. Throughout the workshop, interactive lessons will be explored that have been designed to help secondary teachers teach important people and events in the expansion of civil rights in American history. (5-12)

It’s My Party… Origin and Evolution of Political Parties in the United States

This session will focus on the origin and evolution of political parties in the United States. Additionally, teachers will participate in interactive lessons that will help elementary, middle and/or high school students understand and analyze the role the citizen and political parties have had and continue to play in the political process of the United States. (3-12)

Order in the Court!: Mock Trials in the Classroom

Participants will investigate how using mock trials in the classroom develops good citizenship, communication and critical thinking skills, while creating a greater understanding of one of our most basic rights—the right to trial by jury. Teachers will explore the roots of the jury system as well as the role of the citizen in today’s judicial process. Additionally, participants will learn how to implement a mock trial and receive lesson plans that include both a scripted and unscripted mock trials for classroom use. (4-12)