PNA Foundation, April 17

Foundation Update: Classroom election guide available to PNA members

By Lauren Lee, Director
PNA Foundation

Who will be the Democratic nominee for the 2008 Presidential Race? As Pennsylvanians watch with bated breath to see whether Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama will "take Pennsylvania," newspapers across the state will play an important role in reporting and interpreting the election results. Political affiliation aside, nobody can dispute the excitement and interest generated by what has already been a very close competition for the Oval Office.

Working closely with members of the state Newspapers in Education (NIE) Committee, the PNA Foundation identified the need to provide schools with a quality classroom guide to the election. After brainstorming and doing some research, the group pulled together several unique curriculum aids that make up a valuable teaching tool. The Let's Take a Vote 2008 kit is all-encompassing and can be tailored to several different grade levels. Teachers can choose from a variety of themes in tab or serial format based on their individual classroom curriculum.

In addition to the various theme and format options, the kit includes several different modules to enhance the election experience for kids. An online voting module gives students the opportunity to vote virtually for the candidate of their choice. And, the National Constitution Center has developed an interactive assembly for schools at the elementary and secondary levels. For an additional fee, teachers and administrators can bring the program to schools to truly engage students in the election process at their level.

Due to a generous contribution from Tribcharities and the Pennsylvania Coalition for Representative Democracy (PennCORD), the Foundation is making this available to all PNA member newspapers FREE OF CHARGE. It is our hope that teachers across the state will embrace this unique learning opportunity for students to understand the importance of the election process and living in a democratic society. Newspapers can position themselves in a way that not only informs parents and grandparents about the 2008 presidential race but also as an active participant helping to educate children in local schools.

To order your Let's Take a Vote 2008 kit, please contact Janet Bevan at (717) 703-3004 or janetb@pa-news.org.

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