Tomorrow's Leaders: Understanding Illinois Local Government

Press Release: Local Government Week Proclaimed

Description of Curriculum

This high school curriculum is designed to develop citizens who care about and contribute to their communities. By helping students discover how Illinois local governments solve the problems close to us (such as good roads, strong schools, effective fire and police protection, and safe water supplies), we will build an informed citizenry ready to assume leadership roles in their communities.

Tomorrow's Leaders examines the world we live in everyday - and how local governments provide support services that allow communities and citizens to thrive. Although national and state policy generates more headlines, we live at the local level. It is the services provided by local governments - counties, cities, townships, and special purpose governments - that affect our daily lives.

This curriculum, developed on an experiential model, includes eight modules:

Introduction to the history and functions of local governments in Illinois
Who's Who in Local Government?
Local Government Finance
Physical Infrastructure
Law Enforcement and the Court System
Local Government Services
Public Safety
Citizenship

Each module contains numerous activities, vignettes, and discussion points that assist students in their exploration of local government.

Partnership for Local Government Education

The curriculum was developed through the Partnership for Local Government Education (PLGE), a collaboration formed to increase interest and involvement in local government in Illinois. The mission of PLGE is to further the understanding of the role that local governments play in our individual and collective lives, and appreciate the depth and breadth of services that the various forms of local government provide their constituents. PLGE board members firmly believe that through this educational effort, the effectiveness of local government across Illinois will be improved.

The Partnership for Local Government Education is composed of:

Contact Information for Training

Local Government Week

March 7-13, 2010
Tomorrow’s Leaders Training
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