Teacher s guides for each level contain lesson plans and suggested activities to enrich classroom instruction. Classroom sets include 30 student books, a teacher s guide, and an instructional packet containing the information and supplies necessary to complete the program. Free classroom sets are available on a limited basis in each congressional district in the nation. Additional sets may be purchased from the Center at a nominal cost. The entire class, working in cooperative teams, prepares and presents statements before a panel of community representatives who act as congressional committee members.
Students then answer questions posed by the committee members.
The format provides students an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles while providing teachers with an excellent means of assessing performance. Teachers at the high school level may conduct a noncompetitive hearing, but are encouraged to participate in the nationwide competitive program. High school competition begins at the congressional district level with teams from each school vying for the district championship. While in Washington, students also have an opportunity to visit historic sites and meet with members of Congress and other dignitaries. The panel validated the results of those studies and confirmed the program s powerful educational effects on students civic knowledge and attitudes.