Civic Enrichment

Post STAAR testing, 8th-grade students in Mrs. Dooley’s classes participated in activities that reflected on civic duty. Students researched and “voted” on the local election ballot, took a citizenship test, and participated in mock trials. Each student had a role in the trial process - from serving as lawyers and witnesses to receiving jury summons and deciding the fate of the case. Some classes worked through a contract law case while others investigated copyright law. “I think it’s important that our students learn these relevant social studies skills before they graduate and are expected to participate in them. They should be informed voters who are well-educated in how our government works and what it took to get here. And I think they had fun pretending to be lawyers, too!” says Mrs. Dooley. The break from the curriculum only enhanced their understanding of those previous lessons and started shaping the future generation of good citizens.