A decade of research on school discipline has made society keenly aware of the "elephant in the room." Overwhelmingly, Black students are "wounded" permanently when they are suspended over and over for offenses that are overlooked when their white counterparts commit the same infraction. Since Black students are suspended…

This constitutional casebook is the outcome of the P.A.T.C.H. Law Program of the Northport-East Northport Union Free School District in New York. The casebook provides students and teachers in grades 7, 8, 11, and 12 with a summary review of the 22 cases mentioned in the New York State Regents' 11th grade "U.S. History and Government"…

Presents activities for teaching high school students about the freedom of religion. Includes student handouts that explain basic constitutional principles and summarize leading U.S. Supreme Court cases concerning religious liberty. Encourages teachers to invite students to speculate on the future relationship of religion and public education. (SG)

This curriculum introduces secondary students to the study of constitutional government in the United States. It is designed to provide students with an understanding of how the Constitution came into existence, why it took the form it did, and how it has functioned for the past 200 years. Through the 31 lessons of the text, organized into six…

This book presents, in words and pictures, a history of the Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution. Fifteen chapters in the book are entitled: (1) Origins; (2) The Colonial Experience; (3) The American Crisis: Road to Revolution; (4) New Order of the Ages; (5) The Bill of Rights; (6) The Civil War; (7) A Changing America; (8) War & Reaction;…

Presents a lesson plan for teaching about gangs and the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Includes a handout and discussion questions and identifies sources for further reading. (SG)

This case book provides New Hampshire high school students and teachers with state specific law related information and activities. The 37 cases, selected according to their constitutional significance, are organized into 13 sections as follows: (1) "The Early Years"; (2) "Carpetbaggers, Speculators, and Investors"; (3)…

Presents an essay examining homeless shelter residents' freedom from unreasonable searches. Reviews the historical background of the Fourth Amendment's ban on unreasonable search and seizure. Explores factors considered when determining what is "reasonable." Analyzes the concepts of standing, what constitutes a home, and consent.…

In this interdisciplinary curriculum unit, students explore and debate the school uniform issue, considering legal and policy questions. Students are provided with background information, detailed instructions, on-line resources, and reflection questions. The teacher's notes describe the unit's purpose, its correlation to history/social science…

Describes a semester long simulation of Supreme Court procedures. Recommends this activity for generating an understanding of the decision making process and the impact of the Justices' personal values and attitudes upon Supreme Court decisions. Notes that the course engages students in the learning process while encouraging the acquisition of…

This student workbook and teacher's guide are designed to teach elementary school students about peaceful conflict resolution based on the premise that one of the inalienable rights to which individuals are entitled is the right to respect themselves and others. There are six lessons that teach mediation and alternative dispute resolutions. Each…

This document presents "Indiana v. Jamie L. Curtis," a fictional court case stemming from the search by school officials of a student's bookbag. The case is based upon the actual U.S. Supreme Court case of New Jersey v. T.L.O., which involved similar facts. The document includes background materials on the Fourth Amendment to the U.S.…

This book summarizes itself as "A collection of excerpts from children's literature on themes related to the United States Constitution scripted in Readers Theatre format for elementary school students." It is based upon the belief that an integrated curriculum that correlates content and skills is most appropriate at the elementary…

This handbook for Spanish-speaking immigrants studying for United States citizenship consists of a series of brief lessons on the following aspects of United States history and government: (1) the American flag, (2) Christopher Columbus, (3) the thirteen colonies, (3) the pilgrims, (4) the first Thanksgiving, (5) the Stamp Act, (6) the Boston Tea…

This book was designed to provide a basis for understanding constitutional government and for participating in U.S. society. Each lesson within the book's six units contains a statement of purpose and a list of review questions: most also contain problem solving exercises. Unit One introduces students to the study of political philosophy. The…