We the People 2018

Gaspar De Portola Middle School competed with seven other middle schools at Grossmont College on December 18, 2018 for the annual “We the People” competition. Student groups had to research in depth a prompt from the “We the People” curriculum resource that related to the constitution and its application both historically and in the present. Community leaders such as board members from various districts, representatives from local politicians, educators, and San Diego Superior Court judges were among the volunteers who judged the students’ ability to respond to the prompt with a four minute presentation and six minutes of follow-up questions. Student groups were assessed on their knowledge of the constitution, historical application, current application, the degree of evidence they used to support their arguments, and the level of collaboration and participation among the group. This competition is a terrific complement to the Common Core ELA standards and the eighth grade history social-science curriculum, when California students study the Constitution. Winners have the opportunity to go on to Sacramento for the state-wide competition. The competition is fierce and the day is very challenging for nervous eighth graders. De Portola truly dazzled thanks to the hard work from Mr. Meyer and his eighth graders. Win or lose, the students will never forget this experience and their knowledge of the Constitution surpasses the knowledge of most average Americans. This simulation of our democratic system is truly worth the time and demonstrates phenomenal civic learning for middle school. Great job De Portola!! For questions about this program, look here: http://www.civiced.org/programs/wtp.