Teaching – Civic Skills
Teacher James Nau fosters civic collaboration amongst his students and introduces them to the tools to connect and contribute.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Documentary
Coming Together Again: Therapeutic Courts in WA
Explore therapeutic courts in Washington State and how they support recovery and reduce recidivism.
Discussion Questions
Public Testimony
Learn how public testimony works in Washington State and how citizens can share their voices during legislative hearings.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Re-Wire 2026 Legislative Session Preview
Preview the 2026 legislative session with insights from the ReWire conference on budget, policy, and key issues.
Discussion Questions
What Does The Judicial Branch Do?
Explore what the judicial branch does and how judges interpret laws in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
2024 Elections: What’s at Stake
Review the 2024 state of Washington races post the August Primary Election, and pre the November Election, to understand election dynamics.
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Discussion Questions
Unit
Education (2025)
This 20 min lesson explores where the Majority and Minority Parties stand on two policies regarding Early Learning and K12 Education.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Supporting Small Businesses – Civic Skills
Chris Maykut supports small businesses in Seattle. He fosters communication and mutuality while strengthening the neighborhood’s civic core.
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Discussion Questions
1. Introducing Mike Hoover: Your Soon to Be Favorite Parliamentarian
Meet Parliamentarian Mike Hoover and learn the basics of the legislative process with a simple, clear introduction to how laws work.
Discussion Questions
The Washington State Constitution
Learn how Washington’s Constitution shapes state government and what makes it unique among U.S. state constitutions.
Discussion Questions
Running a Campaign – Civic Skills
Political campaign manager, Chirag Vedullapalli shares how navigating disagreements and hard work teaches effective collaboration.
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Discussion Questions
11. What is an Amendment?
Learn what amendments are and how changes like strikers and substitutes shape bills in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
Voter’s Pamphlet and Video Guide
Learn about informational resources provided to voters prior to elections, and how that information is gathered and validated.
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Discussion Questions
Documentary
Starcia
Explore Starcia’s journey from addiction and crime to redemption in this Emmy Award-winning documentary.
Discussion Questions
Unit
State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections (2025)
Learn about committee leadership and where the two parties stand on two important policies regarding partisanship and elections.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Lieutenant Governor
Learn the role of Washington State’s Lieutenant Governor and how this office fits within the executive branch.
Lesson Plan
Organizing – Civic Skills
Riley Irish organizes for health equity. They build community leadership and partner for meaningful change.
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Discussion Questions
Community Engagement – Civic Skills
Daniel Garcia uses civic engagement to strengthen Tacoma arts. He listens to neighbors and brings people together to enrich the community.
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Discussion Questions
How a Bill Becomes a Law
This Legacy Video explains: How does a bill become a law in Washington? And how does it differ from the U.S. Congress?
Discussion Questions
Participating in the Legislative Process
Learn how Washington residents can influence lawmaking through testimony, advocacy, and connecting with legislators.
Discussion Questions
Floor Debate – Tech For Teens
See how tech bills for teens fared in Washington State floor debates and why some passed while others failed.
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Discussion Questions
2. What is the Law?
Learn what laws are, how they work, and how bills become part of the Revised Code of Washington.
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Unit
Transportation (2026)
Explore transportation policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
15. The Floor: Big Changes Happen
Learn how major changes can happen to bills on the floor and how amendments can shape outcomes in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
Legislative Committees
How do legislative committees shape lawmaking in Washington State? Learn how bills move, change, or die in committee.
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Discussion Questions
Documentary
The Medicine Creek Treaty, 1854-Present
Explore the Medicine Creek Treaty and its lasting impact on Native communities in Washington State.
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Discussion Questions
Juvenile Courts – WA Courts
Explore juvenile courts in Washington State and how they focus on rehabilitation for youth offenders.
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Discussion Questions
Public Programs Manager – Civic Skills
Ecological programs manager, Brianna Klein helps extend environmental awareness and ecological literacy across the community.
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Discussion Questions
The Initiative Process
Learn from UW Law scholar, Hugh Spitzer, how WAs initiative process works, and the benefits and potential pitfalls of the initiative process
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Discussion Questions
The Budgetary Process
Learn how Washington State creates its budget and how lawmakers and the governor work together to fund public services.
Discussion Questions
Curating Public History – Civic Skills
Curator Todd Clark centers Native voices in public history while prioritizing truth-telling and diversity in the exhibits he curates.
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Discussion Questions
Using the Bill Info Page
Learn how to use the Washington State bill info page to track sponsors, votes, amendments, and key legislative details.
Working the Bill – Tech For Teens
Learn how stakeholders, lobbyists, and advocates “work the bill” to influence legislation in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
Documentary
A Question of Faith: Washington’s Electoral College
Explore Washington’s Electoral College and how electors choose the president in this Emmy-winning documentary.
Discussion Questions
Redistricting in Washington State
Examine legislative redistricting in Washington State and how the bipartisan redistricting committee works and the power of court challege.
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Discussion Questions
8. Fiscal Committees
Learn how fiscal committees review costs, funding, and budgets for bills in Washington State’s legislative process.
Discussion Questions
Landscape Organizing – Civic Skills
Landscape Architect, Dakota Keene designs public/private spaces for community connection, creating shared civic spaces that welcome everyone
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Discussion Questions
Union Bargaining – Civic Skills
Nico Montanero negotiates for union workers while building relationships, empowering workers, and creating protective systems.
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Discussion Questions
Environmental Education – Civic Skills
Artist Tony Angell focuses on pathways for youth to explore and develop their personal and civic connection to the environment.
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Discussion Questions
Unit
The Rule of Law and State Courts
This 4 day lesson plan examines the role of state courts in preserving democracy and what types of cases each court level hears.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
SERIES
On The Issues – Q&A
Legislative Pages research current issues legislative committees are working on and bring those questions to committee leadership.
Multiple Videos
Ballot Hand Recounts
See how WA State's ballot recall is resolved through the 2024 Lands Commissioner race mandatory recount, and the oversight involved.
Discussion Questions
Connection to Place – Civic Skills
Author Sheryl Harmer uses empathy to connect to place and gain perspective. She shares how this is essential for democracy.
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Discussion Questions
Unit
Environment & Energy (House 2025)
Learn about committee leadership and where the two parties stand on three important policies regarding the environment and energy.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Inaugural Addresses
Washington’s 2025 legislative opening ceremonies, including swearing-in, Gov. Inslee’s final address, and Gov. Ferguson’s inaugural.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Unit
Early Learning & Human Services (2025)
Explore youth care policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Documentary
Supreme Justice
Explore Washington’s Supreme Court through the landmark Gardner v. Loomis case in this Emmy-winning documentary.
Discussion Questions
Commissioner of Public Lands
Learn the role of Washington State’s Commissioner of Public Lands and how natural resources are managed.
Lesson Plan
Documentary
Mariachi Huenachi
Follow immigrant students overcoming challenges through music in Wenatchee’s Mariachi Huenachi program.
Discussion Questions
Documentary
The Pink Tax: WA Students Push For Pricing Equity
Follow WA students advocating for pricing equity and tackling the pink tax through the legislative process.
Discussion Questions
State Treasurer
Learn the role of Washington State’s Treasurer and how the office manages finances and ensures fiscal responsibility.
Lesson Plan
Unit
Agriculture & Natural Resources (2025)
Explore agriculture and natural resource policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Lobbyists in Washington State
Learn how lobbyists function in Washington State, including the role they play in the legislative process and how they are regulated.
Discussion Questions
Importance of Debates
Learn about State debates, their purpose, what the electorate can learn from a debate, and how the media prepares to moderate a debate.
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Discussion Questions
Unit
K12 Education (2025)
Explore K-12 education policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
13. The Floor: 1st 2nd & 3rd Readings Explained
Learn what 1st, 2nd, and 3rd readings mean and how bills are reviewed on the legislative floor.
Discussion Questions
Professional Sports – Civic Skills
In his work for the Seattle Kraken, Kyle Boyd leverages hockey to build community, promote health, connection and civic life amongst youth.
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Discussion Questions
Writing an Op-Ed – Civic Skills
Seattle Times writer, Melissa Davis highlights Op-Eds in civic life and how writing and reading are important for civic engagement.
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Discussion Questions
Unit
Health Care & Wellness (2025)
Explore healthcare policy debates in Washington State and how lawmakers address access and affordability.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
The Law – Civic Skills
Attorney Rich Lumley uses critical thinking and empathy in law as he researches, negotiates, and encourages understanding.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
5. The Legislative Process
Learn the steps of the legislative process in Washington State and how bills become law.
Discussion Questions
State Auditor
Explore the role of Washington’s State Auditor and learn how audits provide oversight and accountability in state government.
Lesson Plan
The Difference Between Civil vs. Criminal?
Explore the difference between criminal and civil cases and how Washington State courts handle each.
Discussion Questions
Labor Council COPE Convention
Candidate Endorsements: how do they really work? Understand the role that the unions can play in an election.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
The Governor’s Desk
Learn the governor’s role in Washington State lawmaking, including signing, vetoing, or allowing bills to become law.
Discussion Questions
SERIES
Legislative Branch Explained
Explore how laws are made in Washington State—from bill introduction to final vote—while learning how citizens can engage.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Unit
Housing (House 2025)
Explore housing policy debates in Washington State and how lawmakers address affordability and housing access.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Agency and Leadership – Civic Skills
Steve Boyd created a program training youth to take civic action. He helps youth learn to lead and shape their community.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Unit
Law & Justice (2026)
Explore law and justice policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Learn the role of Washington State’s Superintendent of Public Instruction and how OSPI supports public schools.
Lesson Plan
Unit
Pre-Legislative Session Class Primer
Prepare your students to follow and engage in the legislative process with this two day pre-legislative session primer.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Unit
K12 Education (2026)
Explore K-12 education policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
A.G. Request Legislation – Tech For Teens
Learn how Attorney General request legislation works and how laws are enforced to protect consumers in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
NTIB – Necessary To Implement the Budget
Learn what NTIB bills are and why some Washington State legislation can bypass standard cutoff deadlines.
Discussion Questions
Documentary
Isidore Starr: Leading a Revolution in Civics
Explore Isidore Starr’s impact on civics education and his legacy as a leader in law-related education.
Discussion Questions
Unit
Community Safety (2025)
Learn where Community Safety Committee leadership stands on issues of police accountability and addressing misinformation on social media.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Local History – Civic Skills
TV Host, Knute Berger uses local history to root us in place and inform context in our civic process.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Community Based Florist – Civic Skills
Florist Katie Watkins uses her business to support the local economy. She fosters civic connection and stewards community connection.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
The Second Half
Learn how bills move through the second chamber in Washington State and why amendments and timing shape their chances of passing.
Discussion Questions
Unit
Housing (2026)
Explore housing policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
17. Concurrence & Dispute
Learn how concurrence and dispute resolve bill differences between chambers in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
Anatomy of a Committee
Learn how legislative committees work in Washington State and why they are key to researching, debating, and shaping laws.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Washington’s Legislative Branch
This legacy video explains: How does Washington State’s legislative branch function? And how does it differ from the U.S. Congress.
Discussion Questions
SERIES
Leg.wa.gov Navigator
These handy explainer videos will help you navigate Washington state's legislative website - leg.wa.gov
Multiple Videos
District & Municipal Courts – WA Courts
Learn how district and municipal courts handle lower-level cases in Washington State’s court system.
Discussion Questions
18. Final Step: The Governor’s Desk
Learn what happens at the governor’s desk and how bills are signed, vetoed, or become law in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
Unit
Legislative Actions of Washington State
In this curriculum, students learn not only how legislation is passed in Washington State but also how they can be involved and engage in it
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
First Week – Tech For Teens
Follow AI regulation bills in Washington State and see how tech policy for teens moves through the legislative process.
Discussion Questions
7. Policy Committees
Learn how policy committees work in Washington State and how bills move through hearings and executive sessions.
Discussion Questions
Coffee and Connections – Civic Skills
Annette Heide-Jessen uses her coffee shop for civic connection, gathering neighbors and supporting entrepreneurs.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
The Committee Chair
Learn how committee chairs in Washington State decide which bills move forward and shape the legislative process.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
How are Parenting Plans Decided?
Learn how parenting plans are decided in Washington State and what judges consider in family court cases.
Discussion Questions
Looking up a Bill
Learn how to find Washington State bills by number, topic, sponsor, or pre-filed status using the legislative website.
Reading the Bill and the Bill Report
Learn how to read bills and bill reports in Washington State, including revisions, summaries, and key legislative details.
Unit
Civil Rights & Judiciary (2025)
Explore civil rights policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
12. The Floor: What is Decorum??
Learn what decorum means on the legislative floor and how rules guide respectful debate in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
Documentary
Finding Common Ground
Examine different ways that tribal nations, the Washington State government, and other stakeholders have come together to navigate conflict.
Lesson Plan
Electing Judges in Washington State
In Washington state, judges and justices are elected through non-partisan elections. How can voters learn what these candidates believe?
Discussion Questions
Political Campaigns
Learn what it takes to run for office in Washington, from campaigning and fundraising to serving the public.
Discussion Questions
Unit
Early Learning & Human Services (2026)
Explore human services policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos