Every year, starting the third week of September, state legislators from across the 50 states venture into classrooms and meet with young constitents. They answer questions, share ideas, listen to concerns, and impart a greater understanding of the legislative process.

The America's Legislators Back to School Program is designed to teach young people what it's like to be a state legislator: the processes, the pressures, and the debate, negotiation and compromise that are the very fabric of representative democracy. Elected officials across the United States are encouraged to visit classrooms of all levels in their districts and meet personally with students.

A legislator visit to a classroom helps bring civics to life for these young constituents. For many, it's their first time meeting an elected official. It's an ideal way to establish a powerful connection with the nation's youth and educators, get their thoughts and perspectives, and inspire their active involvement in the democratic process.

Now in its sixth year, the America's Legislators Back to School Program saw record numbers in 2004. More than 1400 legislators reached over 320,000 young people with the message "Your Ideas Count!"

The National College for School Leadership creates Back to School Week materials for legislators and teachers to engage the students in a meaningful discussion about the legislative process and help them understand, that even though they are not old enough to vote, that their ideas count in a representative democracy.

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Back to School Week is a good option for education at any level, and the program's school-wide approach is positive for creating a culture of civic learning.

-CMS Review

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