Why Community Colleges?

While almost 40 percent of the 1,200 community colleges in the United States have law-related courses as part of career preparation programs for paralegals and law enforcement officers, there is a lack of law-based civics courses offered as part of a general education program at the community college level. 

Although some students are being prepared for law-related careers, there is no focus on preparing all students for democratic engagement.  With community colleges becoming the largest, fastest growing, and most diverse segment of the higher education market, this leaves millions of students without the preparation to become active participants in our democratic society. 

In response to this need for civic education, Street Law, Inc. has developed a law-based civics course and textbook specifically for community colleges.

How Street Law Can Help

The Street Law program of the 21st century envisions a new, more active and activist form of civic learning for everyone.  In recent times, political scientists and social commentators have periodically cautioned that the U.S. has become a “nation of spectators,” a nation of people disengaged from their governments, communities and each other.  Consequently, Street Law provides a fresh, new, and comprehensive framework for students to become more active participants in our dynamic democratic society.  All generations of college students and their families will benefit from the wealth of subjects covered.  

Street Law not only invites students to study law and legal issues that affect them in their daily lives but also challenges students to identify and propose solutions for every day problems that they, their families or communities may face.

The Course

Street Law's innovative law-based civics course for community colleges will cover the evaluation, debate, and critical analysis of law and legal issues that affect individuals, their families, and communities.  Students develop a practical understanding of the U.S. legal system through learning about aspects of civil, criminal, constitutional, family, immigration, and consumer law.

The course uses case studies, simulated legal exercises, small group exercises and analytical thought problems to develop higher level thinking skills that prepare students for rigorous college course work in other areas.

The course is generally cross-listed as an elective under multiple disciplines as part of a general education program.  It is not designed to replace any courses that are part of paralegal training or administration of justice career preparation programs. 

• Course Outline for Street Law: Introduction to Law and Legal Issues (Howard Community College, Columbia, Maryland)

Textbook

Street Law, Inc. and its long-time publishing partner, McGraw-Hill Higher Education, have prepared an informative law-based text about people, government, law, and community in America for use in community colleges. 

Street Law: Understanding Law and Legal Issues also serves as a community guide to civic involvement by providing practical information about areas of the law that affect the daily lives of all Americans and U.S. residents.  Particularly relevant are the areas of consumer, housing, family, and employment law. 

Additionally, the text introduces students to fundamental criminal law and constitutional law principles, and provides a platform for guided discussion of important public policy issues concerning crime, discrimination, health care, and immigration.  These discussions help build intergroup understanding, tolerance, leadership and a commitment to social justice by exposing students to a wide range of viewpoints and experiences.

• Table of Contents

• To obtain a free sampler of the new text (three chapters plus a program tour) please contact Xinia Bermudez.

In addition to the student text, there is a comprehensive instructor’s manual and a robust website with supplementary resources, vocabulary support, political cartoons, data analysis activities, and an electronic bank of test questions.

Ordering Information

This text and its ancillary materials is available to order from McGraw-Hill Higher Education. Click here for more information.

Learn more 

• White House Summit on Community College
• The Democracy Commitment is a national initiative designed to engage community college students in civic learning and democratic practice.
• The Association of American Colleges and Universities is working with the U.S. Department of Education and other national organizations to make civic and democratic learning a top priority for school through college.
• Campus Compact is a national coalition of 1,100 college and university presidents dedicated to promoting civic engagement in higher education. There is a national network of state-based Compacts, as well.
• The League for Innovation in the Community College is dedicated to catalyzing the community college movement. 
• The American Association of Community Colleges is part of the National Center for Higher Education. They represent the nation’s 1,200 community colleges.

Participating Community Colleges

Community colleges in Maryland, Illinois, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Tennessee will begin offering the course during the 2011–2012 school year.  Curriculum committees at community colleges in other states are also considering adding this course to their catalogue.

Funders

Street Law’s work with the City Colleges of Chicago is supported by a grant from the McCormick Foundation.