 Empowering young citizens— that's the mission of the Secretary of
State's Young Voter Workshop. Hundreds of students from all around the
state are expected to participate in the day-long programs held on October 18, 19, and 20 this Fall.
As one of our most popular student programs, the Education Team
considers educating voters and future voters as one of our most important
responsibilities.
“I want these young
people to get involved. Voting is an American cornerstone, and I believe they
take away a new appreciation of that process from this program."
--
Secretary of State Mark Martin
The workshop, open to High School Juniors and Seniors in Arkansas, demonstrates
the importance of voting and the election process to students who are nearing or have
already reached voting age. From primaries, caucuses, campaigning, and media coverage, to the electoral college and inauguration, students will learn about the election process and experience the value and importance of their right to
vote through discussion, role playing and games. The young voters especially enjoy the
chance to speak their minds during a guided current events debate. Teachers may
opt to conclude the day with a tour of the Arkansas State Capitol, which gives
students a first-hand look at the site where laws are made that have a daily
impact on their lives.
Click the image above to watch a video compilation of the workshop from Spring, 2016, and get an insider look at what the day entails. On election years, the workshop is always bigger and better! Don't miss out, sign your students up today as it is first-come-first serve, by contacting Katie Bass, Education and Visitor Services Specialist.
National Student Parent Mock Election
 The National Student/Parent Mock Election gives American students, and parents too if they wish, all across the country and around the world, the opportunity to cast their votes for candidates in both the federal and state elections. They may also vote on the issues they care about.
This program builds on the 36-year history of the National Student/Parent Mock Election, the leading program in student voting. More than 50 million young voters have participated while learning about the importance of using their own voice to share their perspectives on important issues. In 2016, national student voting begins on October 24 and culminates on November 3, National Mock Election day, 5 days in advance of the nation’s election.
Teachers (including home school instructors) are encouraged to use the free materials and curriculum (click here) developed for the program to create thoughtful lessons leading up to and around the upcoming election of the president, U.S. senators and state governors where there is a race, and U.S. representatives. Students can also express their opinions on national issues.
 Teachers' Guides, updated for 2016, are slated to be posted by September. The topics (Democracy, Immigration, the Economy, and Liberty and Justice for All) will be discussed in terms the issues at stake in this election. There will be special emphasis on civil discourse.
The Mock Election will feature an online ballot option that’s easily accessible from any Internet-enabled device: computer, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. With just a few clicks, teachers and students can join the NSPME, review candidate profiles, discuss issues, and cast their vote. NSPME will tally the votes in real-time--not surprisingly, the results generally predict the actual election results the following week.
You may register entire school districts free. For more information and to register to vote, click the image below or contact Lisa Watson, Education and Visitor Services Specialist.
Navigating all of the free resources that we provide can be a little overwhelming to say the least, but don't fret, we've got you covered! The Education Team will travel to your school to provide an in-service teacher workshop, offered free, entitled “Using the State Capitol to Teach.”
Each workshop earns two hours of ADE approved and accredited Arkansas History
professional development hours--which, as you know, is now a State requirement for all elementary school teachers. The professional development walks educators through all of the amazing,
free resources and programs the Secretary of State's Office has to offer! Contact Lisa Watson, Education
and Visitor Services Specialist, to schedule your school's in-service today!
Can't swing an in-service? The education section of the Secretary of State's website has everything you need to know! The site allows
you to watch videos about Arkansas History, listen to podcasts from
Arkansas Historians, order free classroom materials, schedule classroom presentations and access the many other student and teacher
resources such as print-outs, games, activities and lesson plans! Click the image below to
go exploring!
 Have you set your field trip calendar yet? Make sure that the Capitol Building is on your list of can't-miss educational experiences. The Secretary of State's Office provides something for every
age--guided tours, self-guided tours, self-guided grounds tours, and even
scavenger hunts! Click on the labeled images to learn more. To schedule,
contact Katie Bass, Education and Visitor Services Specialist.
 
Can't
get to the Capitol Building this year? That's ok!! Take your
students on a Virtual Tour of the Capitol Building and Capitol Grounds!
The
Education Team will even come to your classroom! We provide multiple traveling presentations for students of all ages
and grade levels. One of our skilled team members will come right to your
classroom and teach your students using hands-on, cross-curricular methods on
subjects such as state symbols, how a bill becomes law, the Arkansas Traveler,
and even the difference between an author and an illustrator in our
"Little Golden Books" presentation! To learn more or to
schedule a presentation, contact Bethany Nick, Education and Visitor Services
Specialist.
Boo!seum:
It's the 21st Annual Big Boo!seum Bash, where kids can enjoy a safe and fun Halloween Thursday, Oct. 27 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Come out and trick-or-treat, play games and have fun at participating area museums!
- Witt Stephens Nature Center
- Museum of Discovery
- Old State House with Secretary of State's Office
- Historic Arkansas Museum
- Little Rock Visitors Center with Curran Hall
- MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History with
Firehouse Hostel
- Museum Arkansas Arts Center Mosaic Templars Cultural
Center with Central High School Arkansas
- Inland Maritime Museum with North Little Rock Heritage
Center
- Arkansas Travelers
Last year, the Education Team partnered with the Old State House. Costumes and candy were of course the highlight of the evening, featuring the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus, Swamp Thing, and Zombies! We'll be back at the Old State House again this year. Be sure to stop by for some tricks, treats, and to be wow'd by this years costumes!
Sounds of the Season:
Whether you are Miss. Smith's Second Grade Class, a Senior Show Choir, or anything in between, you're invited!
Every year around the Holidays, the Arkansas Secretary of State hosts a program entitled "Sounds of the Season" where we invite choirs, no matter how big or small, from all over Arkansas to have the opportunity to perform at the Capitol Building.
Performances will be held the first two weeks in December and consist of twenty minute time slots open to any and all choirs who wish to spread the Holiday cheer through their music. Sign-ups for the event will begin October 1st. Check the SOS website in October for more information!
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