Questioning our Presidential candidates

This lesson is designed to give teachers ideas on how to integrate civic education and student leadership into the classroom, with a particular focus on the 2004 presidential election. The activities are aimed at helping adult learners to reflect on their needs and how we as a community can become part of the candidates' issues dialogue and encourage our leaders to support adult literacy. Learners will discuss what they think is most needed for adults to continue to improve their literacy, find out what the candidates positions are on the topic, and then submit questions to an online bulletin board. It is hoped that this will be a forum for adult learners that will help politicians see that this group is constituency with a strong and compelling voice.

Writing our Presidential candidates

This lesson is an extension activity following the lesson Questioning our Presidential candidates. This is designed to give teachers additional ideas on how to integrate civic education and student leadership with a particular focus on the presidential election, while helping students to acquire basic skills. The suggested activities are aimed at identifying reasons for attending adult basic education, literacy, and ESOL classes, reflecting on needs, researching candidates' interests in education, and writing a short, concise letter to all candidates. It is hoped this activity will also raise awareness of adult literacy and encourage stronger support.