[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 80 (Wednesday, June 22, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 22, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
      COMMENDING JACQUELINE TRAPP AND HER MOCK LEGISLATIVE SESSION

                                 ______


                         HON. THOMAS M. BARRETT

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 22, 1994

  Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I commend Ms. Jacqueline 
Trapp, director of the American Government program at Brown Deer High 
School in Brown Deer, WI, for her work to communicate the workings of 
our democracy to her students. In 1991, Ms. Trapp developed a mock 
legislative session as a means of generating interest among her 
students in Congress and the legislative process.
  Her program, the result of many hours of hard work each year for 
herself and her students, has a truly unique ability to motivate 
students. Participants in Ms. Trapp's legislative simulation assume the 
roles of legislators, lobbyists, and the media. They elect officers, 
examine complex social issues and draft, debate, and vote on related 
legislation in committees and on the floor of their legislature.
  I have visited Ms. Trapp's mock legislative session several times and 
have developed a high regard for her work. I am very confident that 
this uniquely stimulating learning tool develops in participating 
students a genuine interest in and understanding of the legislative 
process and makes them better citizens. As the students themselves have 
said, Ms. Trapp's program makes the government real.
  This program presents quite a challenge to participating students, 
who are asked to review a considerable amount of complicated material 
in preparation for the legislative session. These students also deserve 
our commendation for their genuine interest in civic affairs and the 
process of policy formation.
  Mr. Speaker, our Nation's educational system is often criticized for 
its perceived failure to motivate students. Critics and reformers would 
do well to visit Ms. Trapp's mock legislative session. There, they 
would witness students captivated by the subject matter and eager to 
participate to the fullest. Who could ask for more?

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