On The Issues is produced by Teach with TVW, the education wing of TVW, Washington’s Public Affairs network, in partnership with the Legislative Page Program. Each week throughout the 2025 Legislative Session Legislative Pages researched issues the legislators are working on and prepared questions to be brought to legislative leadership. Each topical collection below is bundled with a 20 minute lesson plan. Perfect for kick starting discussion in the classroom, and providing insight into the policymaking process. If you have 1 to 2 class periods, check out the comprehensive Legislative Committees lesson plan for a deeper dive, and facilitate class discussion and research across multiple committee topics. 1-2 PERIOD LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES LESSON PLAN In 1 to 2 class periods, this lesson plan introduces students to the issues that Legislative Committees address in a typical Legislative session. Students will have the choice of 11 different issues to examine, learning which committees address these important topics. Additionally, students will assess their own opinions and ideas that relate to the topics presented in the videos. Slide deck and documents can be customized for sharing, and distribution to your students. Objectives: Resources: FULL SERIES WITH 20 MIN LESSON PLANS Senate Housing Committee The Senate Housing Committee considers issues relating to: Overview: During the 2025 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies addressed by the House Education Committee. Essential Questions: 20 min Lesson Plan: Housing House Education Committee The House Education Committee considers issues relating to kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) education. Overview: During the 2025 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies addressed by the House Education Committee. Essential Questions: 20 min Lesson Plan: K12 Education Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee The Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee considers issues relating to: Overview: During the 2025 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding college affordability in Washington State. Essential Questions: 20 min Lesson Plan: Higher Education House Early Learning & Human Services Committee The Early Learning & Human Services Committee considers a broad array of issues and services affecting children and families, including early learning; child care; child and youth development; child welfare services; children’s mental health; at-risk and homeless youth; juvenile justice; economic assistance programs; developmental disabilities; and long-term…
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In this lesson plan, students will examine The Role of the State Auditor in Washington State, focusing on the responsibilities this position has in state government. By examining the oversight role the Auditor has over all funds the State spends, students will understand the importance that the Constitution of Washington puts on the transparency and accountability of our state government. Essential Questions: Curriculum: All Nine Lesson Plans:
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In this lesson plan, students will examine The Role of the Insurance Commissioner in Washington State, focusing on the responsibilities this position has in state government. By examining issues that the Insurance Commissioner deals with, students will understand the importance that the Constitution of Washington State puts on the transparency and accountability of our state government. Essential Questions: Curriculum: All Nine Lesson Plans:
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In this lesson plan, students will examine the Role of The Commissioner of Public Lands, the person who runs the Department of Natural Resources in Washington State. By focusing on the responsibilities that the Commissioner has over the millions of acres of public lands, students will understand the importance the state of Washington puts upon the management of our natural resources. Essential Questions: Curriculum: All Nine Lesson Plans:
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In this lesson plan, students will learn about the Roles and Responsibilities of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. By focusing on how the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) works with the state’s public school districts and 6 state-tribal education compact schools, students will understand how the office funds the public school system for the betterment of all Washingtonians. Essential Questions: Curriculum: All Nine Lesson Plans:
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In this lesson plan, students will examine The Role of the Treasurer in Washington State, focusing on the responsibilities this position has in state government. By examining the issues that the Treasurer deals with, students will understand the importance of maintaining a fiscally responsible government for the citizens of Washington State. Essential Questions: Curriculum: All Nine Lesson Plans:
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In this lesson plan, students will examine The Role of the Attorney General in Washington State, focusing on the responsibilities this position has in State Government. By looking at the issues that the Attorney General’s Office addresses, students will understand the importance of checks and balances between the three branches of state government and how state governments interact with the federal government. Essential Questions Curriculum: All Nine Lesson Plans:
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In this lesson plan, students will examine The Role of the Secretary of State in Washington State, focusing on the responsibilities this position has in State Government. By looking at the varied issues that the Secretary of State’s office addresses, students will understand the importance of securing our election system and preserving democracy. Essential Questions Curriculum: All Nine Lesson Plans:
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In this Lieutenant Governor Lesson, students will examine the role of the Lieutenant Governor. By focusing on the responsibilities that the Lt. Governor has over a myriad of things in the state, students will reflect on the importance of the role of the Lieutenant Governor. Essential Questions Curriculum: All Nine Lesson Plans
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In this lesson plan, students will examine The Role of the Governor, the chief executive of the State of Washington. By focusing on the responsibilities that the Governor has over the state of Washington, students will understand how the Governor works with the other statewide elected officials and the other branches of government. Essential Questions Curriculum: All Nine Lesson Plans
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