The Colorado We the People program, sponsored by the Center for Education in Law and Democracy (CELD), offers programs in constitutional studies for students state-wide through professional development programs for teachers and direct student activities/showcases in each congressional district.
The WTP program promotes students’ civic competence by enhancing their understanding of democratic principles and institutions through engaging teaching strategies. Curriculum materials include six units of instruction.
The WTP program is best known in the community for its culminating activity-- a simulated congressional hearing-- in which the entire class, working in cooperative teams, respond to open-ended questions about the history and relevance of the Constitution today. Students interact with community members who provide an authentic audience as they discuss the meaning and importance of constitutional principles with adults serving as judges for student performances.
Please contact Jackie Johnson for WTP program details.
Simulated Congressional Hearings were held in these communities throughout the state in November 2012:
Nov. 10 – District 3: Ridgway, Colorado Town Hall
Nov. 13 – District 1: Trinity Education Center, Denver
Nov. 13 – District 4: Aims Community Foundation, Greeley
Nov. 14 – District 5: Colorado Mountain College, Buena Vista
Nov. 16 – District 2: Adams County School District 12 Staff Development Center, Thornton
Nov. 16 – District 6: Community College of Aurora
Nov. 19 – District 7: Cherry Creek Schools Instructional Support Center, Centennial
On December 17, the high scoring teams from each Congressional District competed in the Colorado WTP State Finals, held in hearing rooms at the State Capitol. First place - East HS, Denver; Second place - Grandview HS, Aurora; Third place - Northglenn HS.
In fall 2012, over 2000 Colorado high school students participated in the WTP program.
Congratulations to all 2012 Colorado WTP competitive and showcase high schools:
Academy of Charter Schools
Abraham Lincoln High School
Buena Vista High School
East High School
Denver School of Science &Technology
George Washington High School
Grandview High School
Grand Junction High School
Greeley Central High School
Greeley West High School
Legend High School
Mullen High School
Martin Luther King Early College
Northglenn High School
Overland High School
Platte Canyon High School
Rangeview High School
Ridgway High School
Silver Creek High School
South Park High School
Thomas Jefferson High School
Thornton High School
Colorado WTP Professional Development Programs: WTP Summer Institutes for Colorado teachers
2002: Strengthening Democracy: The We the People Program
2003: Balancing Individual Liberties and National Security in the 21st Century
2004: Balancing Powers: What Is the Role of the Courts?
2005: The Executive Branch: The Framers’ Intent to the Bush Doctrine
2006: Separation of Powers: Fundamental Principles and Enduring Challenges
2007: The Fourteenth Amendment: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives
2008: The First Amendment: Founding Principles and Contemporary Debates
2009: The Presidency: The Framers' Vision to Contemporary Debates
2010: Shared powers: Federalism in the 21st Century
2011: Balancing Powers: What Is the Role of the Courts?
2012: The US Constitution 3.0: Founding Principles and 21st Century Challenges 2013: TBA—June 6-7, 2013, Location: University of Colorado-Denver
PLEASE USE THE LINKS BELOW TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE COLORADO WTP PROGRAM.
