Often high school students believe they have no role at all in the election process other than school elections for class officers. This is far from the truth as school elections are stepping stones to the real world. Nevertheless, students must prepare to be good citizens. They have rights but they also have responsibilities as citizens. The Core Democratic Values unite all Americans and are clear in the need for all citizens to be active in their communities and government. The learners will see how being a citizen encourages a more active role in the community and will see how campaigns are dependent on citizens studying the candidates and the issues. Once the learners analyze the candidates and their stands on the issues, they will prepare and give a short, responsible endorsement of a candidate. The role of volunteers, even teens who can ’t yet vote, is analyzed.

The learners will:

• give examples and describe character traits of good citizens.
  
• explain that philanthropy is part of good citizenship and exemplify philanthropy through random acts of kindness.
  
• describe and give examples of how citizenship reflects the Core Democratic Values and unites all Americans.
  
• describe the various forms of civic responsibility.
  
• explain how civic participation benefits the participant and the community.
  
• describe the electoral process.
  
• take a stand regarding the candidates’ positions on issues that affect him/her and the community.
  
• analyze the contribution of one who participates in a campaign, giving of time, talent or treasure.

• In Lesson One: Charting the Course students are assessed using the Skit/Song Rubric (Attachment Three). Students will be evaluated on the three pictures that represent three different Core Democratic Values.
  
  
• In Lesson Two: Knowing the Ropes students will write a paragraph summarizing what the Core Democratic Values mean to them.
  
  
• In Lesson Three: Not the Only Fish in the Sea student learning may be evaluated on the formal presentation on a nonprofit organization.
  
  
• In Lesson Four: Hoisting the Flag the student’s reflection endorsement will serve as an assessment.

It may not be possible for all students to participate in a political campaign. It may be necessary to receive parental approval for students to become engaged in the campaign process. Some students may be prohibited from participating due to religious concerns.