Legislative Semester

Legislative Semester is a senior-level government course framed around simulations based on state and federal government roles and procedures. The curriculum located on this site was developed by Mr. Steve Arnold and the staff at West Chicago Community High School in West Chicago, Illinois. This site, along with the Representative Assistance Manual (RAM) is adapted from Steve Arnold’s program and a collection of resources from the same program at West Chicago Community HS.

Over the course of the semester our students learn about the legislative process while focusing on critical academic skills supporting state and national standards. The course begins by teaching our students to self-identify with critical issues in our society while learning about the political spectrum. As the course evolves, students identify problems and create bills after weeks of research, debate, and revision. These bills are presented to committees and the lucky ones are approved to the floor of the House in our "Full Session" debate format.

The instructors of the course are always willing to assist others in adapting this curriculum, as it has empowered our students to gain more knowledge of the political and civic process. If you would like to visit our Full Legislative Session or would like to learn more about the program, contact Bob Fecarotta Social Studies Department Chair at fecarottab@mchs154.org or at 815-568-6511 ext 2406.