Category: Collection

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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Each week of the legislative session, Legislative Pages research, and bring questions to Democrat and Republican leadership, getting you both sides of the issues in this 5-7 min video shorts series. Each accompanied by a 20 min lesson plan or – Have a full class period? Give your students a deeper understanding of the legislative committee process with the Legislative Committees Lesson Plan. THE 2024 SERIES ENVIRONMENT Overview: During the 2024 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity tointerview 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, andthe Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on two important policies surroundingHousing and Homelessness: affordable housing and housing availability. Essential Questions: 20 minute The Environment Lesson Plan HOUSING Overview: During the 2024 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity tointerview 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, andthe Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on two important policies surroundingHousing and Homelessness: affordable housing and housing availability. Essential Questions: 20 minute Housing Lesson Plan MENTAL HEALTH Overview: During the 2024 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity tointerview 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, andthe Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on two important policies surrounding HealthCare: youth mental health care, and social media’s effect on mental health. Essential Questions: 20 minute Mental Health Lesson Plan EDUCATION Overview: During the 2024 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity tointerview 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, andthe Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on two important policies surroundingHigher Education: declining enrollment and barriers to access. Essential Questions: 20 minute Higher Education Lesson Plan LAW ENFORCEMENT Overview: This lesson plan for middle and high school civics focuses on the current issues of staffing shortages and police pursuits in law enforcement. During the 2024 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity tointerview 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, andthe Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on two important policies surrounding LawEnforcement: staffing shortages and police pursuits. Essential Questions: 20 minute Law Enforcement Lesson Plan TRANSPORTATION Overview: During the 2024 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity tointerview 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, andthe Minority Party, currently the Republicans stand on two important Transportation Policies:safety and sustainability on public transportation and treaty obligations to remove culvertsprohibiting fish passages. Essential…

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