Teaching today’s youth to be responsible and aware citizens
is a critical part of their education, says University of Georgia
education professor John Hoge, who is the new state coordinator
for “We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution,”
a nationally acclaimed program that seeks to do just that.
Hoge, an associate professor of social science education, was
chosen to direct the program, which promotes civic understanding
among the nation’s elementary, middle and high school
students.
The “We the People” program’s innovative instruction
uses curriculum materials and a nationwide network of teachers
to teach the current relevance of the Constitution and the Bill
of Rights.
After students complete the program they are eligible to participate
in a simulated congressional hearing where they demonstrate
their knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles
and have an opportunity to evaluate and defend positions on
current and historical issues.
As Georgia state coordinator, Hoge is responsible for making
sure the program functions properly in all congressional districts.
He oversees textbook distribution and makes sure district coordinators
stay in touch with their district congressional representative.
Hoge is also responsible for building a new advisory board for
the project to assist in extra fundraising and to help set policy
directions.
More than 26 million students and 82,000 educators from every
state in the nation have participated in this innovative curriculum
since its inception in 1987.
For more information about the program, contact John Hoge at
jhoge@coe.uga.edu or
visit the new Georgia “We the People” Web site,
which will be live soon and linked from the College of Education’s
homepage at www.coe.uga.edu.
Competing
in a Global Economy
The University of Georgia is at the forefront of the globalization
movement in higher education with a wealth of opportunities
for international experiences. Our students are flocking to
study-abroad programs, thriving on the challenges inherent
in confronting a new cultural environment. More and more,
students on campus are also making choices that reflect an
understanding of the importance of global awareness—from
living in a residence hall-based language community to starting
a radio program in another language to minoring in a foreign
language. These experiences, whether at home or abroad, influence
how our students perceive the world and their place in it.
We’re producing graduates prepared to be world citizens—well
informed, culturally sensitive and technologically sophisticated.
They’re ready to take on the challenges of our global
society, and they’ll be equally at home whether in the
Peach State or the Republic of Georgia.
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