The k-12 educational standards in Indiana include many opportunities for students to learn a great deal about Indiana. In some places the standards require an Indiana focused curriculum. The task of creating the curriculum is often left in the hands of the teachers because there are very few curriculums focused on Indiana that are widely available.

In the 2002 / 2003 academic year, the Mike Downs Center for Indiana Politics is taking the first steps toward developing an Indiana focused politics resource that would be widely available via the Center's website. The Mike Downs Center is partnering with teachers at Maple Creek Middle School. The students will learn the importance of knowing the political issues (local, state, and national) and evaluating political parties and their candidates and officeholders. Teachers will be helping students research the duties of elected offices and the positions taken by the candidates for those offices. Students also will be writing letters to the editor and holding elections in their schools with the machines used by Allen County voters.

The development of this curriculum will likely lead to community education programs covering topics such as how to become an informed voter, how to decide if you want to run for office, candidate boot-camp, and what to do after you have gotten elected.

History of the State
State Courts / Judicial Branch