Assignment 1: Constitution Day Presentation
Details:
The following principles have been recognized as core tenets of the U.S. Constitution:
1. Checks and balances
2. Federalism
3. Judicial review
4. Limited government
5. Popular sovereignty
6. Separation of powers
Create a 12-15 slide PowerPoint presentation to educate a group of students or adults about the core tenets listed above for an upcoming Constitution Day celebration in a school setting. You may select a grade level 1-12, teachers, or parents as your audience. Please specify your intended audience and include other pertinent information within the presenter's notes. Your presentation should be engaging and appropriate for your chosen audience.
In addition to your PowerPoint, include a 250-500-word essay describing two interactive learning activities for your intended audience to coincide with your presentation.
APA format is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.
Assignment 2: Student Discipline and Due Process
Details:
Review the school board policy and student handbook of a local public elementary or secondary school for information regarding their policies on short- and long-term suspensions of students. You may also obtain this information by interviewing an administrator at your chosen site.
Based on the information that you gather, write a 500-750-word essay summarizing the due process requirements prior to a short-term and a long-term suspension of a student at that site. Are the due process procedures for a short-term and a long-term suspension of a student the same or different? Are these requirements consistent with Goss v. Lopez?
Support your position with examples from case law, the U.S. Constitution, or other readings.
Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
Assignment 3: Equal Protection and Public Education Essay
Details:
Research the implications of equal protection for K-12 students within one of the following groups:
1. Classifications based on English language learners;
2. Classifications through ability grouping/tracking;
3. Classifications in academic programs based on gender;
4. Classifications in sports programs based on gender; and
5. Classifications to assign students to specific schools for racial balance.
In a 500-750-word essay, address the following for the group that you have chosen:
1. Summarize the factual background on how the students are classified;
2. Identify the legal issues presented by these classifications; and
3. Describe what equal protection requires.
Include at least five references in your essay. At least three of the five references should cite U.S. Supreme Court cases.
Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
Assignment 4: First Amendment: Religion and Education
Details:
You have a standard practice of displaying all student work in your classroom. Recently, you assigned students to write any essay and submit a pictorial depiction on the person they considered to be their hero. One of your students submitted an essay on Jesus and a drawing of the Last Supper.
In a 500-750-essay, discuss any legal issues regarding the grading of your student's essay and whether you could display the student's work. How does the First Amendment apply to this situation?
Include at least five references in your essay. At least three of the five references should cite U.S. Supreme Court cases.
Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.