In October 2006, teachers from across the state of Kentucky were invited to apply for an extensive, one-year, professional development experience in Government and Civics.  The program was sponsored by the Kentucky Teacher Network for Excellence in Civic Education and Civic Engagement. Ten teachers from different school districts across the state were selected from a pool of applicants and participated in a professional learning community focused on designing a high school government and civics course.  Teacher participants enhanced their knowledge and skills both in content and pedagogy.  

The principal facilitators were drawn from the University of Louisville College of Education and Human Development and the McConnell Center and the Kentucky Department of Education. Guest facilitators included members of local and state government, lawyers, legislators and visiting professors who engaged participants on relevant course content throughout the program.

Trainings occurred both face to face meetings and through an online learning community using the content management system, Blackboard.  Participants were in constant conversation with colleagues and facilitators of the program as they collectively explored topics such as curriculum alignment and curriculum mapping; the creation of standards based units of study; strategies to effectively teach social studies; and government and civics content. The final products are units of study on "The Origins and Branches of American Government", "Formation and Powers of Government" and "Federalism." Teachers are currently implementing the collaboratively designed units in high schools across Kentucky to determine their effectiveness on student learning and engagement with the content.