Participating teachers and organizations are encouraged to hold a simulated public hearing showcase as the culminating activity for Project Citizen. Each of the four working portfolio groups prepares and presents a statement on its section of the portfolio before a panel of community representatives who act as members of an appropriate government body or agency. Each portfolio group then answers questions posed by the committee members. The format provides students an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of how public policy is formulated while providing teachers with an excellent means of assessing performance.

Every year, leaders of each state Project Citizen program designate one exemplary middle school portfolio from their state to send to the annual Project Citizen National Showcase. This culminating event is held in conjunction with the annual staff meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). State legislators, staff, and other adult volunteers from across the nation serve as evaluators, determining the level of achievement attained by each portfolio.

Hearing Evaluation Guidelines

2007 Project Citizen National Showcase Participants

2006 Project Citizen National Showcase Participants

Portfolio Evaluation

Guidelines

Hearing Grading Sheet

Showcase Grading Sheet