Getting Started
How does a law elective compare to courses like criminal justice or business law?
Some Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, such as criminal justice and business law, focus on law enforcement and corporate law, respectively. Law electives, on the other hand, typically cover the judicial system and courts; constitutional, criminal, and civil law;…
Should students have prerequisites before enrolling?
Most schools do not require prerequisites. However, this decision is up to your school or district. For example, a school could choose to have students complete a basic civics or government course before enrolling.
What grade level(s) is this course appropriate for? / Are law electives appropriate for middle school students?
Law electives can be taught successfully at both the middle and high school levels. Middle school students may not yet be familiar with the functions of government or the legislative process. It’s important to pre-teach these topics before diving into…
Where should I start if I want to launch a law elective at my school?
Begin with our “Steps to Starting a Law Elective” resource, which provides clear guidance and practical resources to help you plan and launch your course, such as securing approval, creating your syllabus, recruiting teachers, and finding community partners. See Steps…
What kind of teacher is best suited to teach a law elective?
Teachers who embrace student-centered learning, are eager to learn new content, and are open to collaborating with the legal community are excellent candidates.
Do I need a law degree or legal background to teach this course?
No. Many successful law elective teachers do not have a legal background. Street Law’s Textbook and Teacher Manual provide the legal background and guidance you need. Street Law also offers free lessons to help you get started and build your…
