Illinois Capitol Forum

A new video, developed by the Illinois Capitol Forum and the Choices Program, highlights the Illinois Capitol Forum. It is available online.

Twenty Illinois high school teachers are participating in the Illinois Capitol Forum. Activities are provided to engage all students in participating classes in consideration of the issues. Teachers select student representatives from their classes to participate in the Capitol Forum program at the state capitol.

Application Materials are available from the Illinois Humanities Council.

To assist them in preparing for and participating in the forum, teachers are provided with:

  • Two free professional development workshops to introduce the Choices methodology which is the basis of the forum
  • Choices curriculum unit U.S. Role in a Changing World
  • Two additional free Choices curriculum units of your choice. For a complete list of Choices units, go to the Curriculum section of the Choices website.
  • Classroom materials specially designed for the forum
  • Report of the Student Ballot on America's Future
  • Certificates of Participation for student representatives
A National Capitol Forum Ballot Report and state breakdowns are available online.

See Alignment with State Standards for a description of how the Illinois Capitol Forum aligns with Illinois Learning Standards.

The 2009-10 Teacher Application is available from the Illinois Humanities Council.

Illinois Capitol Forum Events
Date Event Location
10.26.2009

Illinois Introductory Workshop

A one-day professional development workshop introduces participating teachers to the Choices approach. Extensive classroom resources are provided. Teachers use the resources in their classroom prior to the next planning meeting.		 Springfield, IL
2.1.2010

Illinois Pre-Forum Planning Meeting

Teachers meet for a full day meeting at Starved Rock State Park to review the Capitol Forum agenda and make final plans.		 Starved Rock Lodge, IL
3.4.2010

Illinois Capitol Forum

Student teams from participating schools report on the international concerns of their classmates and engage in a deeper exploration of alternative policy directions. The two-day program culminates in a dialog among students, teachers, and elected officials and policymakers. 		Springfield, IL

State Sponsors

For information regarding Illinois Capitol Forum, please contact:

Carole Cosimano
Illinois Humanities Council
203 N. Wabash Ave., Suite 2020
Chicago, IL 60601-2417
(312) 422-5585 X228
cjc@prairie.org