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Curriculum Guides
The National Student/Parent Mock Election team, led by educational consultant Gloria Kirshner, provides teachers with a plethora of supporting material from numerous angles.
All NSPME curriculum material is created by experts in the fields of education, civics, and government.
Below are quick links/descriptions to each curriculum document. For detailed descriptions of all curriculum material, please make use of our subpages.
2022 Teachers Guide: To The Teacher
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
2022 Teachers Guide: Democracy
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
2022 Teachers Guide: The Economy
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
2022 Teachers Guide: Immigration Part 1
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
2022 Teachers Guide: Immigration Part 2
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
2022 Teachers Guide: With Liberty and Justice for All
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
How To Do It: A Guide to the NSPME
Ideas and suggestions for activities to accompany your participation in the National Student/Parent Mock Election. Helps teachers organize experiential education activities in any subject, and suggest strategies/events that affect attitudes and behavior through active involvement. Suggested activities include cable call-in shows, speeches, debates, quiz team competitions, mock press conferences, speech writing, and school/neighborhood campaigns to increase voter turnout such as newsletters and posters.
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
Reports From the Real World
Reports from award-winning elementary, middle, and high schools about what they did in the National Student/Parent Mock Election. Nearly 30 schools are profiled, along with their goals, highlights, strategies, quotes, resources, outcomes and much more.
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
Introduction to Government - Elementary
Introduction to Government and Civics Curriculum outlines provided by the Pearson Foundation to help teachers bring full meaning to their student's participation in the National Student/Parent Mock Election.
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
Introduction to Government - Middle/Junior High School
Introduction to Government and Civics Curriculum outlines provided by the Pearson Foundation to help teachers bring full meaning to their student's participation in the National Student/Parent Mock Election.
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
Introduction to Government - High School
Introduction to Government and Civics Curriculum outlines provided by the Pearson Foundation to help teachers bring full meaning to their students’ participation in the National Student/Parent Mock Election.
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
2014 Issues Guide: The Economy
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
Issues Guide: Foreign Affairs
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
Issues Guide: Education
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
Issues Guide: The Ethics of Democracy
Critical thinking about the importance of ethics to a democracy.
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
Introduction to the Constitution
Elementary school level. These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
Implications of Political Issues
High school level. These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
Government: Compare and Contrast
High school level. These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
2010 NSPME Issues Ballot
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
2010 NSPME Issues Guide: The Economy
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
2010 NSPME Issues Guide: Energy
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
2010 NSPME Issues Guide: Health Care
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
2010 NSPME Issues Guide: Immigration Reform
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
2008 Teacher's Guide to the NSPME: Issues Overview, Elementary School Level
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
2008 NSPME Issues Ballot
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
2008 NSPME Issues Guide: The Economy
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
2006 Teacher’s Guide to the NSPME: Issues Overview
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
2004 Teacher’s Guide to the NSPME: Issues Overview
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
2002 Teacher's Guide to the NSPME: Issues Overview
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
Issues Ballot
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
Cover & Table of Contents
Learning to Choose: Fun ways to teach the very youngest among us about our government, the political process, the election, and learning to choose.
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
Unit 1: Learning to Choose
Learning to Choose: Fun ways to teach the very youngest among us about our government, the political process, the election, and learning to choose.
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
Unit 2: Our Government
Learning to Choose: Fun ways to teach the very youngest among us about our government, the political process, the election, and learning to choose.
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
For all grade levels
Learning to Choose: Fun ways to teach the very youngest among us about our government, the political process, the election, and learning to choose.
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
Unit 4: Political Communication
For all grade levels
Learning to Choose: Fun ways to teach the very youngest among us about our government, the political process, the election, and learning to choose.
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
Unit 5: The Election
For all grade levels
Learning to Choose: Fun ways to teach the very youngest among us about our government, the political process, the election, and learning to choose.
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
Site Evaluation
For all grade levels
Learning to Choose: Fun ways to teach the very youngest among us about our government, the political process, the election, and learning to choose.
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
The Declaration of Independence
For all grade levels
Suggested activities to explore the meaning of our founding charters.
Democracy
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Voting Citizenship
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Political Party Origins
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Political Parties
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The U.S. Constitution
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
Cuéntame (Tell Me A Story)
For all grade levels
Geared toward Spanish-speaking students and families, this guide helps prepare teachers to guide students in developing the skills and attitudes needed for active United States citizenship. This guide includes a step-by-step bilingual description of how to implement it.
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
What does the U.S. Constitution say about voting?
More Suitable For Elementary Levels
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
Election Matters (Elementary School)
More Suitable For Elementary Levels
Using the motivation and reward of the National Student/Parent Mock Election to teach reading skills. Written with a grant from the federal Department of Education.
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
Election Matters (High School Level)
More Suitable For High School Levels And Up
Using the motivation and reward of the National Student/Parent Mock Election to teach reading and math skills. Written with a grant from the Federal Department of Education.
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These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
Teacher’s Guide to American Indian Voting History
More Suitable For High School Levels And Up
An outline of the development of Indian citizenship and voting rights in the U.S. federal elections, with comparisons to some state and tribal elections. Includes references to the U.S. political system’s structure, comparisons with Indian practices, expanded focus on history, suggested activities and other references.
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
Civic Courage
More Suitable For Middle School Levels And Up
A guide to teaching music and civic education together through the National Mock Election. Includes profiles of several influential past presidents and other Americans, along with musical selections associated with the passions of their times.
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
Tool Kit for Educators
Additional Resources
How to work with the media to provide motivation and reward for young learners, involve more parents, broaden students’ horizons, and increase their understanding of the 21st century.
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
Mock Election PR Tool Kit
Additional Resources
Provided by USA Today, this tool kit will help class and school leaders spread the word about their student's participation in the National Student/Parent Mock Election.
These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.
Guide to the Electoral Process (Elementary Version)
More Suitable For Elementary Levels
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An abbreviated version of the full-size version is mentioned under For All Grade Levels.
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These teacher's guides are designed to encourage the critical thinking skills that lead to the sense of personal responsibility by which democracy lives, not to feed facts soon to be forgotten. We hope each teacher will adapt these lesson plans to the needs of his/her class and take from the guides only those sections the teacher believes are right for the class.