This project requires a great deal of community involvement, so it is very important to teach students about the appropriate professional behavior for all aspects, from generating and asking questions of guest speakers to presenting at the council meetings.

It is crucial that students practice, practice, practice their final presentations and give and get feedback several times. It is helpful to show them pictures of the council chambers, as well as video footage of people presenting at the council meetings. These can be found in the archives on the City of Liberty’s website.

Watch examples of strong presentations and weak presentations, so students can see what both look and sound like. Allow them to help create the success criteria for their presentations.

It is also very important that students thoroughly research the issues presented to them. If they don’t have a solid understanding of the issue, it will be difficult for them to make a recommendation, or present confidently.

I loved watching the students grow in this project. From initially learning about the issues, about which they knew nothing, to then presenting their recommendations in front of a City Council, Mayor, Police Force, etc. in council chambers, it is an amazing experience. There have even been times when City Council members have reached back out asking for an opportunity to come to school to visit more with students regarding evidence they shared in their presentation.