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About Election Connection

Election Connection is the seventh annual citywide civics program developed and implemented by Teaching Matters, a non-profit professional development organization dedicated to integrating technology across the curriculum in New York City's public schools. Election Connection harnesses the power of the Internet to give students a voice and connect them directly with the people who represent them in government and their local communities.

Election Connection exposes students to six critical issues that are on lawmakers' agendas. Students will be expected to debate and research selected issues, form a point of view, write a persuasive letter, and take action by delivering an oral and multimedia presentation to their classmates. Selected students will present their projects to local leaders at a Town Meeting in June 2005.

Teachers will be assisted in their implementation of the curriculum during ten classroom visits from a Teaching Matters consultant who will act as a resource for both technology integration and lesson content. The consultant will also meet with participating teachers and librarians during their preparation periods to plan lessons and provide software instruction that meets the needs of individual classes. Three after-school workshops will be provided to support teachers as they integrate technology into the curriculum.

Election Connection enables students to:

  • Learn about democracy and the value of political participation
  • Sharpen research, critical-thinking, and decision-making skills
  • Develop persuasive arguments and improve writing skills

Election Connection enables teachers to:

  • Motivate students to learn about civics and current events
  • Meet curriculum standards for English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Applied Learning (i.e., technology)
  • Integrate technology and the Internet into daily lesson plans

Election Connection provides schools with:

  • A customized, civics education program
  • In-the-classroom professional development
  • An opportunity for community and parental involvement

For More Information

Contact Jane Condliffe, Deputy Director, (212) 870-3505
Teaching Matters 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 1270 New York, NY 10115 USA


Partners and Sponsors:


New York City Department of Education
Thirteen/WNET
Gotham Gazette
Felix and Elizabeth Rohatyn Foundation