Description of the Program

Introduction: Missouri Service Learning, Missouri School Boards Association and The Missouri Bar are working together to provide an opportunity for students to interact with some of Missouri’s elected and appointed officials in all three branches of government about their roles in our system of government and about why they have chosen a career in public service.

Grade Levels: Grades 6-12

Objectives:

1. To examine the role of the legislative, judicial and executive branches in a system of separation of powers and checks and balances.

2. To enable teachers and students to enhance learning and explore real-life experiences through thoughtfully constructed service-learning activities.

3. To examine the role of the concept of “public service” and its role in our system of government.

The structure of the project:

1. The first broadcast was pre-recorded at the Missouri School Boards Association studio in Columbia and features outstanding service learning teachers and students.

2. There will be three (possibly four) Internet interactive broadcasts. One branch of Missouri government would be featured in each broadcast (the tentative fourth broadcast would feature federal officials). The components of the program would be:

a. During each program, the elected or appointed official would talk about the following topics:

The official’s role in a system of separation of powers and checks and balances.

The challenges and rewards of the official’s job.

Why the official has chosen public service as a career.

b. During each program, students will have the opportunity to ask the official questions.

c. For each broadcast, one of the participating classes will be invited, all expenses paid, to be the live audience during the program.

d. Participating schools will be asked to do some kind of advocacy work i.e. write a letter to their legislators or other elected officials about an issue that concerns them.