Student-Led Oral Histories of Local Officials

This framework for the collection and preservation of Student-Led Oral Histories of Local Government Officials was developed by the Kansas Oral History Project as part of a civic education initiative to encourage students to engage with their community and learn about the different areas of local government. Using local government officials as a source for student-led oral history interviews will acquaint students in elementary, middle or high school with their local elected officials and what their job is in the local community. Teachers are encouraged to download the attached introduction, interview protocol, the lesson plans and activity notes for teachers for complete information. There is also a six-minute video clip of former Water Commissioner Jack Alexander which is intended for use with the lesson plans. See the full interview with Commissioner Alexander under Collections/Notable Kansans

Choices have Consequences; Elementary School; High School; Individuals have Rights, Responsibilities; Lesson Plans; Middle School; Relationships between people, place, idea and environments are dynamic. (HGSS 5); Societies are shaped by beliefs, ideas and diversity. HGSS3; Societies experience continuity and change over time. (HGSS 4)