CERL Participates in Center for Civic Education’s We the People National Finals
Posted in News
The CERL team attended the Center for Civic Education’s We the People National Finals, a simulated congressional hearing competition held in Leesburg, Va. and Washington, D.C. on April 9-11. The hearings are structured around questions aligned with the six We the People units, designed to assess students’ knowledge of the U.S. Constitution and American government. This year’s event featured 48 teams from across the nation, each representing their respective states and evaluated by a panel of esteemed judges.
CERL’s own Dr. Diana Owen served as a judge for Unit 4, which explores the essential question: How Have the Values and Principles Embodied in the Constitution Shaped American Institutions and Practices? Dr. Owen was particularly impressed by the students’ thoughtful analysis of federalism and the system of checks and balances.
CERL Research Specialists Dr. Patrick McSweeney, Jamie Joseph, and Naomi Radar observed hearings on the competition’s opening and final days. They noted how the We the People curriculum and simulated hearings not only fostered a deep understanding of the historical context surrounding the Constitution’s framing, but also encouraged students to connect that knowledge to current challenges in our political system.
Witnessing students demonstrate strong civic knowledge, critical thinking, and public speaking skills brought the data trends to life in a powerful way. Thanks to the Center for Civic Education for hosting such an inspiring event! Congratulations to the winners!
National Champions: Sprague High School, Oregon
Second Place: Fishers High School, Indiana
Third Place: Lincoln High School, Oregon
Read more about the Center for Civic Education’s We The People National Finals.
